I love the Snickers commercial because it is a pretty accurate depiction of how people act when they are hungry. Person gets hungry and acts out of control. People around the person warns them about their attitude when they get hungry. Then the person transforms into an aggressive person (because they are hungry and angry at the same time). Then finally they get a Snickers and all of a sudden, their hunger gets satisfied and they are back to their normal self.

Ok I probably butchered the commercial but hey that is my perception of it. Anyways wouldn’t it be awesome when you get hungry to be handed exactly what you need? Or what if you never needed to pay for any meal because it would always be taken care of? Just imagine it… you never have to think about what to eat again (go ahead you can smile). What a life it would be if you never had to care where your next meal is coming from! Though, many of us do not have any of these options and maybe some do, but for the most part we are able to find or make food when we get hungry. Not often while eating are we thinking about what others had to eat because we are focused on satisfying our hunger (it is not selfish you should eat and focus). What we may not know is the people close or connected to us may not be able to afford a meal as easily as we do.

I KNOW IT IS CRAZZZY that hunger can be within our circle and we may not even know it. You do not have to leave the country, go into the community or volunteer to hear about the hunger and poverty problem, some of the people we love are truly struggling. It may be hard to believe for those who have never heard their friends ask for anything and they look so well put together on social media. Unfortunately, as we have heard before, looks could be deceiving and hinder people from getting help. For some it is easier to put up a facade, still attend events, act like everything is ok then to admit they need help. It is not easy to ask for help, it is not easy to ask for help to afford food, it is not easy to admit you may have no food in your fridge. The struggle is real for so many people!!! And it does not mean that people do not have their priorities in order so PLEASE STOP THAT THINKING. Yes, some people manage their finances poorly and have money to spend but they choose to spend it on other things. On the other hand, some people have to choose between keeping the lights on in the house or buying groceries.

I have witnessed these things to be true from people I know. Though I cannot help everyone, I do understand the importance of caring for those around me in some way. It does not mean giving money to every friend who says they are struggling, maybe it is just hosting a dinner or game night with food for your friends. Meal prepping and bringing in an extra plate of food for someone at work. Or taking your extra spending money and giving a friend a gift card just because (think of a random reason why you thought to do it). And it could be a nice gesture by grabbing some food and asking a friend if they would like something from the place you are ordering from.

You do not have to call out your friends and family and make them feel uncomfortable. In regular conversation ask them how they are doing. Ask them if they have been taking care of themselves. If their basic needs are being met right now (food, water, shelter). Being a caring person does not mean allowing others to take advantage of you but for you to take the opportunity to help others to the best of your ability. Be there for the ones you love through prayer and encouragement, but if you can take action, help them. If you can afford a cup of coffee every day, buy alcohol on the weekends, pay for a club entry, buy some new clothes … I believe you can buy someone a meal.

And if you are quietly struggling to make ends meet to the point where you cannot afford to eat, please do not hide from those close to you. YOU ARE NOT WEAK for needing help. It may feel embarrassing, especially if people think of you highly or you are experiencing a rough patch and maybe even prideful. You do not have to do this alone and everyone does not have to know, but ask a friend that you trust for help. Reach out to your church, your small group, your network. Just in case none of these options work or in addition, click the link FEEDING AMERICA to find information about a local food bank near you.

“The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States and leads the nation to engage in the fight against hunger. Contact your local community food bank to find food or click here to read about public assistance programs.“

This is not a paid partnership but a resource I believe I need to share for those who need it. I have volunteered at two of food banks and can attest that they are serious about helping to feed people in the community.

Make a decision to help someone if you can. Do not sit back and watch.

Ask a friend how they are doing today.

Cheers to LIVING ON PURPOSE!

Liz

Featured image: https://elivenet.com/sure-its-fake-but-the-hunger-is-real/