ENFIELD FOOD SHELF…SUMMER NEEDS


I had the opportunity to talk to Enfield Food Shelf Director, Linda Bridge this past week and I asked her how things were going at the Food Shelf.

She began by talking about the success of the Chili Cook off and, the many great people helping out, to aid in caring for the needy.

I inquired as to how the summer was going and, was she seeing a decrease in people needing assistance. To my surprise the need is still as strong as in the wintertime. I guess I am like many of us who forget that hunger is a year round problem. Hitting rough times is not seasonal and people need a little help all year long.

If you are like me you most likely get in the giving spirit in the holiday season. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the two big giving seasons and the community of Enfield always does a wonderful job remembering the needy.

However, there is a great need right now for food and monetary gifts for the Enfield Food Shelf. Families, many with children, are showing up to get some help. It still breaks my heart to think that any child would have to wonder where their next meal is coming from, or even if the will eat tonight.

The reason why this hits home is because of my own experience. After getting out of the Navy in 1977, I moved my wife and kids to Springfield, Missouri to attend college. Over the next few years, while getting my education, our family went through tough times.

When my oldest child was born she was five weeks early and had some medical problems that required a long hospital stay. This was costly and we had no insurance. Then, in that same time period I developed tumors in my right foot that required a total of 5 surgeries to remove and re-construct my foot. Once again, no insurance. I had the GI Bill for college, thank God for that, so school was covered. Nevertheless, because of the surgery I was not able to work for a number of months.

Well, thank God for the local Methodist Church in the area which had a food shelf. We also took advantage of the Government cheese give away program in those rough days.

I remember going seven whole days eating nothing but “meals with cheese.” We had cheese sandwiches, macaroni & cheese, cheese soup, and of course, just slices of cheese. It was a hard time for me watching my two children lack in the other foods they needed. It was a truly humbling experience and it is why I am such an advocate for helping the needy today.

Over the years God has blessed the Stokes family. We now eat cheese by choice, and yes, I still like it.

Now, it is our time to give back. When you see the face of a child that has not eaten all day, it should break your heart. When kids go to school without breakfast, it should call us to action.

The Enfield Food Shelf is our conduit for getting involved. They will give the food out, but they have to have the food to meet the need.

Now, here is what I am asking.



As you shop this next week please “FILL A BAG” for the Food Shelf. The greatest need is Baby Food, Baby Formula, Soups, and Vegetables. Once you have filled the bag bring it to the Enfield Food Shelf located at 96 Alden Avenue.

They receive items Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

If you would rather write a check, that also is greatly appreciated. Make checks out to Enfield Food Shelf and send them to the address list above.

For more information on how you can help call 860-741-7321

Just think of what one filled bag could do in the feeding of a family. Thank you for helping….May God bless you.

Greg Stokes