The holiday decorations are long packed away, the sparkling white snow has turned gray and most of us have hunkered down into hibernation mode until spring arrives.
This is a normal, seasonal transition we experience year after year.
Previous months were filled with service and philanthropy: Whole turkeys were schlepped to community meals, bell-ringing volunteers encouraged you to toss your spare change into bright red kettles and toys were collected for Toledo kids who would otherwise have woken up to a present-less tree. Good deeds and warm fuzzies are always abundant during “the most wonderful time of the year.”
The unfortunate reality, however, is our neighbors are not only struggling to make ends meet during the holiday season. Jobs can be lost in the spring, family members can get sick in the fall and other unpredictable, debilitating life events happen throughout the year. At Food for Thought, we provide food assistance to our patrons so they can leverage their resources elsewhere, and know that feeding their family is one less thing to worry about.
The 27,910 individuals we served last year are brutally aware of the fact that food insecurity is not confined to a particular month or season. This spring, we want to remind the Toledo community that “March Is Hungry.” Our strategy to remedy this is to invite you to help share our story and our cause. During the month of March, we at Food for Thought are calling on you to gather together with your friends, family and co-workers to host a fundraising party with a cause.
Yes, a party! Supporting a cause does not have to be a somber affair with a plea for handouts. It can be spirited and fun. We can celebrate selflessness and give thanks for thoughtfulness in a way that can be both enjoyable and impactful. Let us help you combat your cabin fever by facilitating a truly lovely soirée for you and your guests.
Make your party suit your style. You can have a five-course meal from a chef (we’ve got some great suggestions), a potluck or a tea party. Celebrate March Madness or St. Patrick’s Day. Hold a Spring Equinox moon dance if that’s your thing. The possibilities are endless! We’ll provide you with a package of party favors, promotional materials and talking points about food insecurity so you can express to your guests why their attendance is so meaningful. In addition, Food for Thought would be happy to send a representative to personally thank you and your guests and to further explain our mission and services.
Never been head of the party planning committee? No worries, we have excellent recommendations for venues, themes and local supply sources. All you have to do is invite some company and tell them why you support Food for Thought throughout the year.
Remember, for so many Toledoans, food insecurity and economic hardship are not seasonal problems. Make the choice to help, and accept our invitation because March is hungry.
You can find more information at marchishungry.com. Give, serve and learn more at feedtoledo.org.
Jill Bunge is executive director of Food for Thought. She can be reached at jill@feedtoledo.org.
