Ninety-Six Pounds of Good
Bex ran a quiet food drive for the holiday season of 2023, letting its customers know they could drop off food for Norwescap, an area nonprofit working to reduce hunger and help its clients achieve their goals in life.
A wooden box at Bex slowly filled up with nonperishable goods over time, and we staff took guesses as to its weight. The 60 or so pounds of food for the needy we thought we’d collected turned out to be almost 100 pounds, as we found out in a letter from Norwescap thanking contributors for donations. Many thanks to all who donated!
Live Simply So That Others May Simply Live
It’s no secret nor even debatable that post-pandemic inflation has hit the poor and working classes the hardest, as struggling populations don’t enjoy the buffers against hardship that come with a more stable place in the socioeconomic system. We are also living in a world where some folks seem to be losing sight of the big picture or awareness of the simple struggles for survival others are enduring, as evidenced by a Florida woman who is suing Hershey to the tune of $5 million dollars for misrepresentation because her purchased chocolate didn’t look exactly like the picture on the wrappers. It will hopefully be dismissed as frivolous, but it shows that losing perspective happens too easily – and too often.
More Than a Food Bank
Because of Hunterdon County’s affluence and image, food insecurity isn’t as visible as other places, but it lurks. Norwescap is not just a food bank: they provide financial counseling, helping families reduce their debt, bolster their credit scores, and save money. They provide programs for seniors, job seekers, and those raising children. They help those struggling to afford basic commodities such as energy costs. “Growing up, I experienced some level of dysfunction by people trying their best but also not knowing how to do certain things: raise children, manage their finances, avoid substance abuse,” Chef Becky recounts, “so I’m happy to partner with people and organizations that do good things, like Norwescap.”
Nonprofit Culture
Norwescap has increased its warehouse capacity to deliver 40% more food to those in need, and, of course, all nonprofits have as their goal – however much they help people – to put themselves out of business: by solving whatever social challenge they focus on. “So much food gets wasted in America – upwards of 40% – and it’s a real shame. One of my goals for the new year and beyond is to reduce food waste and find ways to partner with people and create win-win situations,” notes Chef Becky.
Water is life, food is survival, and our mission is “to produce local sustainable foods while using practices that promote a positive social impact.” Onward!
