Just a month ago, Dave had never been to Mead Food Bank before. Now, he looks forward to interacting with the volunteers helping at its weekly emergency food distributions, which the food bank began in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

“We feel more isolated,” Dave said of the past few months in quarantine. “You realize we are all needy and have a certain social interconnection. This has been helpful. It’s been a nice way to get out. We’re all in this together.”

But Dave doesn’t come to the distributions just for the social interaction. His hours were cut back at one of his jobs, making money tighter than normal. The distributions help him fill new gaps in his budget and allow him to continue to pay for his car and medical bills, despite the loss in income. They also help ensure that his daughter, who can’t work or drive after a major car accident, and her children have the food they need.

“It’s a godsend—an absolute godsend.”

Dave has been very impressed by both the quality of the food he receives and the friendliness of the volunteers. “They were super pleasant and helpful. They didn’t make you feel like you’re odd or begging for food. They asked you for your preferences. They couldn’t have been nicer,” he said. “It’s not an easy task for them to do what they’re doing. They’re more appreciated than they might think.”

As he entered the parking lot of the food bank, Dave reiterated his gratitude. “This has been so helpful,” he said.

“It’s a godsend—an absolute godsend.”