March 14 Food Drive: Accept the Secretary’s Challenge

By Raymond E. Foster, Past Master

On March 14, San Dimas Masonic Lodge No. 428 will once again stand in the gap for those who stand for us. Our Feeding Military Families Food Drive is not simply a charitable event—it is a direct response to a documented and ongoing need within our armed forces community.

Food insecurity continues to affect those who serve at troubling levels. An estimated 22,000 active-duty families, 213,000 National Guardsmen, and more than 1.2 million veterans experience food insecurity in America today. Behind these statistics are military families—the spouse carefully managing every dollar, the children who may not understand why portions are smaller, and the household quietly absorbing the strain—so that their service member can remain focused on the mission.

This is not a distant problem. It is a present reality within our own military community.

Since 2022, through Feeding Military Families, we have raised more than 40 tons of food and essential household supplies to confront this need directly. Those donations have supported military families at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center in 29 Palms, Camp Pendleton, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Irwin, Air Force and Space Force personnel at Los Angeles Air Force Base, and families stationed at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Coast Guard Base.

Every pound collected restores dignity, reduces stress, and strengthens readiness. When families are supported, service members are better able to serve.

That is why we act.

For several years now, our Lodge Secretary, Glenn Johnson, II, has issued what has become an ongoing and inspiring call to action—the Secretary’s Challenge. Each year, he challenges us to donate our weight in food. And each year, Brothers from our Lodge, Brothers from other Lodges, and members of our wider community step forward and rise to meet that challenge.

On March 14, we will once again collect nonperishable food and essential household items to stock military base pantries serving families in need. But this year, we raise the bar.

I challenge every Brother of San Dimas Lodge No. 428 to meet the Secretary’s Challenge: donate your weight in food.

If you weigh 180 pounds—bring 180 pounds of food. If you weigh 220—bring 220. Let our collective weight reflect the gravity of the cause. Let our actions match the obligations we profess.

Freemasonry teaches relief as a core tenet. This is our opportunity to live it visibly and meaningfully.

Brothers, step on the scale. Then step up.

March 14. Donate your weight. Feed a family.

For more information, email feedingmilitaryfamilies@gmail.com or call 909-667-2721.