Addressing Food Insecurity Among Military Families: A Call to Support

When we think of military families, the challenges they face often revolve around deployment, relocations, and the demands of service life. Yet, there's an issue that often goes unnoticed – food insecurity. Amidst the dedication and sacrifices of military personnel, a concerning number of military families, particularly those of enlisted personnel, grapple with food insecurity between pay periods. The reality is staggering, with over 22,000 active-duty families, 213,000 National Guard/Reservist families, and a staggering 1.2 million Veterans experiencing food insecurity.

Pelican Pantry: An Oasis of Support

At the 29 Palms Marine Corps Base, the Armed Services YMCA has taken an admirable step to combat this issue. The Pelican Pantry provides a safe haven for active-duty families, offering donated pantry staples and essential hygiene products to ensure they never go hungry. This initiative, fueled by compassion and a commitment to serve, has become a lifeline for many families facing uncertainty.

In March 2023, the Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support joined hands to make a difference. A food drive was organized to support the Pelican Pantry's noble cause. The response was nothing short of heartwarming – over 5 tons of food and more than $13,000 in donations were collected. This remarkable display of community support not only showcased the power of collective action but also shed light on the urgency of the issue.

Empowering Change for Military Families

To maintain a consistent supply and offer ongoing support, the Rotary Club is organizing yet another food drive scheduled for September 30, 2023. The goal is simple – to keep the pantry well-stocked with food staples, hygiene products, and essential baby supplies like diapers and formula.

How You Can Make a Difference

The drive's success relies on community engagement, and there are numerous ways to contribute:

1. Spread the Word: Distribute the information about the drive within your community, organization, and networks.
2. Share the Event Links: Utilize platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Chamber of Commerce to amplify the event's reach.
3. Volunteer Your Skills: Offer your expertise and leadership to support the cause.
4. Collect Donations: Every contribution matters – collect items or funds to help fill the pantry.
5. Be a Volunteer: Join in as a volunteer for collection or delivery efforts.
6. Make a Monetary Contribution: If that's more feasible, make a monetary contribution to aid the cause.

Checks can be made out to the San Dimas Rotary Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 (mention "USMC" in the memo). Donations can be sent to PO Box 713, San Dimas, CA, 91773.

For further information or to explore volunteer opportunities, don't hesitate to reach out to the Rotary Club at 909-599-7530 or via email at sandimasrotary@gmail.com.

Uniting for a Worthy Cause

In the spirit of unity and empathy, it's our collective responsibility to ensure that those who sacrifice so much for our nation's security don't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. By supporting initiatives like the Pelican Pantry and the upcoming food drive, we extend our gratitude beyond words and take meaningful action to alleviate food insecurity within our military families.

Join us on September 30, 2023, from 9 AM to 3 PM at the San Dimas Masonic Temple, 220 N. Monte Vista Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773, to be a part of this transformative effort.

Event Links for Your Convenience:

• Facebook Event
• LinkedIn Event
• Chamber of Commerce Event