The Power of Food

Today’s post was contributed by Rob Luzader, a RVFB supporter.

Why Rainier Valley Food Bank? Thousands of charities are worthy of my hard earned money. In this day and age, it’s easy to gravitate to the cause of the moment. In the past, examples for me were Livestrong (rallying around a courageous, charismatic hero to defy the odds and defeat cancer) or Mercy Corps in the wake of Katrina, the Haitian earthquake or the tsunami in Japan (feeling the need to contribute due to the scale of the disasters, unimaginable human suffering and the sensational coverage surrounding these events). While I continue to believe in the necessity of these organizations, I have made a fundamental shift in the nature of my giving. The majority of my money for charity now goes to the Rainier Valley Food Bank (RVFB). Let me explain why.

I am pragmatic. Therefore, I am attracted to the fact that one of my donated dollars equals $12 of distributed food. The resourcefulness and efficiency of RVFB impresses me. I prefer my money be used by an independent, agile nonprofit that can control the quality of the food it distributes. RVFB has the ability to influence and educate people about food and nutrition at a local, personal level, which is something we as a community should support. I think the food bank provides a sustainable model for providing nutritious food to people in need.
I am also empathetic to the plight of people that find themselves hungry or struggling to feed themselves. Hunger is a pervasive and enduring problem in our community and undermines its ability to prosper. “Food insecurity” sounds like an intimidating term but there is no doubt families are struggling to feed themselves just one meal a day.

I am fortunate. I have never had to worry about my next meal and access to quality food. I have a positive relationship with the food I grow, purchase, cook and consume. It is essential to my happiness, productivity and wellness. I want each and every hungry or malnourished adult and child to have the opportunity to experience the power of food. RVFB has begun to connect people to their food. Hopefully this process continues to evolve.

Food matters. It weaves its way through our lives and community in more ways than we realize. RVFB is an essential part of building a strong, vibrant community where people can concentrate on work and school rather than the viability of their next meal. It is an essential organization providing part of the solution to a pervasive problem in our community. It is doing it in a way the focuses on our relationship with food and the quality of food. It is doing it with a sense of responsibility and community involvement.

Why do you give to RVFB? Share your comments below.