Diana says that I am always working. While that might not be totally true, at least I am almost always thinking about work. This was apparent last weekend when we were checking into our hotel in New York City. It was our first trip to the city and we were eager to start seeing the sites. But as we were walking to the elevator, I spotted a sign listing all the opportunities guests had to help the hotel staff support those who suffer from food insecurity. Needless to say, I stopped to shoot a picture before going up to our room and setting out as tourists. So yes, I must confess, finding new ways to communicate our message or new ways to serve our neighbors in need are always on my mind. I’m always on the hunt for an idea we can adapt to our service area. However, I’m not too proud to accept help. Your challenge is to share ideas that you come across with me as you see them. You might just find that silver bullet that we need.
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In June we celebrated a year in the new facility. To say it has flown by would be an understatement. Like with any new construction, there have been challenges, but for the most part the building has done all that was expected of it and more. It is a tool in the fight against food insecurity which causes us to continually assess procedures and look for ways to be more efficient. I believe we will continue to find ways the building can help us move more food out to our agency partners and ultimately into the hands of those who need it. If you haven’t had a chance to come by and see YOUR Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, I encourage you to come by and take a tour. You will be impressed by what you see and might even be motivated to sign up for a volunteer shift.
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Do you remember a few weeks ago when everyone was wishing it would stop being so chilly and rainy? It’s stopped! Please take a few moments each day and check on your friends and neighbors to make sure they are alright. There have already been several people die because of heat related issues across the country and it’s only going to get hotter in the upcoming weeks. It’s also important that while you check on folks, that you make sure they are staying hydrated and even though they might not have much of an appetite, make sure they are eating. If they don’t have anything to eat, check out our website, nwafoodbank.org to find the nearest pantry.
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Things change! Every day we are facing new challenges in our fight against food insecurity. We have to adapt and change with them. Please accept this as my promise to the entire Northwest Arkansas community that we will continue to change as necessary to achieve one of my primary goals in life…to be better today than I was yesterday, but better yet tomorrow. Repeating what I said above, you can help us be better by sharing ideas that either you have or you have seen be successful somewhere else. Many people have claimed to author this statement but regardless of who said it first, it rings true, “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets credit.”
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Have a great month and remember “Because of you, someone will eat today!”
K
