A turkey roasting in the oven, mashed potatoes on the stove, cranberries, dinner rolls, and corn set on the table, and a pumpkin pie on the counter waiting for the table to be full. These are the images that flood our mind when we think of Thanksgiving meals.
Coming back from COVID, so many of us are longing to come together at one table, thankful for those who are nurture us, lift us up, and encourage us. As we venture into warm homes, open our arms to family and friends, and enjoy conversation while eating a hearty dinner, we are thankful for the roof over our heads, the support of those around us, and the nourishment before us.
Sadly, despite the longing to celebrate over a hearty meal, many cannot afford a traditional Thanksgiving dinner due to the rising grocery costs, a struggling economy, or an unforeseen debilitating situation. Food insecurity is one of the nation’s top concerns. According to Feeding America’s 2022 Map the Meal Gap study, in Las Vegas, one in seven individuals is food insecure. That same study shows that one in four children –just over 130,000 children – live in food-insecure households meaning that one of four children possibly didn’t eat breakfast that morning and may not have a dinner waiting for them at home.
So many of us take simple meals for granted. We assume the food will always be on the table. We believe we will always be able to afford the grocery bill. We trust that we will feed the people we love.
But what happens when there isn’t enough? What happens when a family must choose between paying rent or buying food? What happens when the head of the household is injured and cannot work? What happens when a battered spouse escapes abuse, but cannot earn enough money to put food on the table?
The Alliance Foundation believes access to consistent, healthy food – along with shelter and emotional support – is one of the three pillars in the pathway to prosperity. This year, with the help of our generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and committed community partners, our organization was able to purchase, pack, and distribute 150 Thanksgiving meal kits including nonperishable food items along with a grocery certificate to purchase other essentials such as eggs, milk, a turkey, and whipped cream to Nevada HAND – a local organization that offers affordable housing solutions and supportive solutions to low-income individuals and families. Without this, many of these families would not have been able to provide a Thanksgiving meal to share with their loved ones.
This season, we invite you to join us in continuing to make a difference in our community. If you would like to support our program financially – to put a healthy, home-cooked meal on the table so a family in need can focus on their loved ones seated around the table instead of how to feed them, please donate here. And, if you or your company would like to partner with us next year, please contact us. Help us reach our goal of ending hunger in our community.
Together, we can build a path to prosperity.
Make a Donation to help those in need
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