MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Navigating winter weather is difficult enough, but adding on hunger on top of that can make the situation even harder for vulnerable populations.
Thankfully, organizations large and small are stepping up to help Memphians in a major way.
For nearly a decade, The Table Spread Food Pantry, a local nonprofit in Midtown Memphis, has been providing food and hot meals in the community.
When the temperature dropped this week, volunteers made sure there was plenty for people who needed food in their pantries.
“You’re doing something for me, because you’re giving me a way to do good,” Miriam Shaw said.
Shaw is the Soup Kitchen Organizer for The Table Spread Food Pantry.
She tells Action News 5 that doing good is what it’s all about in the midst of the winter weather blast.
Shaw, along with other volunteers at The Table Spread say, now more than ever, they recognize the need so many are facing.
“Hunger doesn’t take a break,” Food Pantry Manager Ali McMillan said. These energy bills don’t take a break, so if we have the time and (even if we don’t have the time) we’ll make an effort to accommodate the people.”
For the past month, The Table Spread has been increasing its efforts to reach and feed people.
“Eating is something that so many people take for granted. You don’t think about it,” Shaw said. “You can go into your kitchen and get food, but a lot of people, especially in Memphis are very food insecure and the hunger rates in Memphis–childhood hunger–hunger for the elderly–it’s like a really big issue, so I think that’s why it’s important.”
Shaw, who’s a dietetics major at the University of Memphis, says it’s also about educating people about nutrition and providing healthy food choices.
She says it’s part of the reason she teaches cooking classes at The Table Spread.
“I feel like when people are relying on you that’s a big motivation,” she said. Also, food is a basic human right, in my opinion.”
Other Mid-South organizations like MIFA got to work before the snowflakes began to fall, working ahead of time, to complete all remaining deliveries for the week.
MIFA also distributed 5-pack, shelf-stable meal boxes to clients.
McMillan and Shaw tell Action News 5, all are welcome and they work to provide to anyone in need but especially those in nearby neighborhoods.
“I think there may have been a time when everyone has needed help in some form or fashion,” McMillan said. “It may not be food, it may not be monetarily, it may just be a helping hand or just a kind word. So I think by coming down here and distributing, fellowshipping, getting your hands dirty–seeing what other people may be going through–that maybe could be your family member, coworker, or even yourself. I think that has a great affect on one’s heart.”
You can learn more about The Table Spread or donate here.
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