|
Dear Friends,
As September draws to a close, we are once again confronted with the harsh realities of violence and suffering—both globally and within our own neighborhoods. Too many young lives have been lost. Too many voices silenced. And too many families are left grieving. Yet, as Helen Keller once said, “The world is full of suffering, but it is also full of the overcoming of it.”
At Bread and Life, we believe in that overcoming. We believe in the power of love, compassion, and community to heal and uplift. But to truly move forward, we must re-learn how to talk to one another, how to sit face-to-face, embrace discomfort, and listen deeply. We must put down our phones, stop texting, and reconnect with the humanity in each other.
In our own community, 1 in 4 children do not have enough food to eat. Last year, over 8,000 seniors visited Bread and Life 88,000 times, seeking basic necessities. And now, we face devastating cuts to SNAP and other benefits—programs that have proven effective in lifting people out of poverty. The government has slashed food budgets, expecting us to do more with less, even as food prices and mental health challenges rise.
We see the worry on the faces of young parents who cannot feed their children. We meet individuals battling isolation and behavioral health issues with nowhere to turn. We are at a crisis point. And yet, Bread and Life stands firm—a safety net for those who need us most.
This year, we partnered with St. John’s University to help launch a student-focused version of our digital food pantry. This initiative is more than a pilot it’s a model for how compassion and innovation can meet urgent needs across campuses nationwide. Rooted in the Vincentian spirit, we continue to offer care, dignity, and hope.
September was also Hunger Action Month, and thanks to your generosity, our Fill the Truck Program is nearing its goal of $50,000 or 40,000 meals. Every contribution brings us closer to a community where no one goes hungry.
Looking ahead to October, we invite you to join us for our 2nd Annual Mixer4Meals event, where we will honor:
-
Mike Staub, TEI – Industry and Community Impact Award
-
Andrea Barragan, AB Partners – Beacon of Hope Award
These honorees exemplify the spirit of service and commitment that fuels our mission.
As I close, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our board, staff, volunteers, and donors. You are the reason we can continue this work. You are Hope in Action. Thank you for walking with us, for believing in our mission, and for helping us build a more compassionate world.
With Hope, Determination and Gratitude,
| 
