“Never so embarrassed in my life”

Ursula Adams Director of Digital Engagement United Way for Southeastern Michigan

About thirty years ago, Bryan C. worked installing glass in high-rise buildings when he, and other construction workers, went on strike. A father of five, he found himself in a bleak financial situation.

“I had so much pride; there was no way I was going to get free food,” he said. But by week fifteen, he was desperate and he went to the food pantry. “That was the time I was never so embarrassed in my life.”

Among the items he received were a block of cheese and powdered eggs. It was then his child asked him, “Daddy, are we poor?”

Bryan was crushed.

Today, he serves on the Board of Directors for a local client-choice pantry completely run by volunteers. Walk into the shopping area, and clients will feel like they are in a grocery store, filled with aisles of food, shopping carts and refrigerated sections.

“So many have pride,” Bryan said. “I relay my story, and tell them, ‘You won’t know if you’re in a Kroger or Meijer. You will be treated the same way.’ ”

Like Bryan, many in our community face hunger – and the needs of our neighbors affect everyone. Many are unemployed or underemployed and cannot provide for their family’s basic needs. Client-choice pantries help eliminate the stigma that is often associated with pantries, allowing shoppers to choose items they like and that fit into their dietary needs. It also helps eliminate waste.

Click here to watch a video on a client-choice pantry, now. And, when you have finished, please consider making a special year-end investment in United Way’s Food Initiative so that we can continue this work together.

Your neighbors need your support. You can make a difference by investing in the United Way Food Initiative.

Please, give now at www.liveunitedsem.org/YearEndFood.