Currently, in the United States, one in nine working-age veterans are food insecure. Many of these veteran’s face difficulties finding work, receive low wages, live in a food desert or are dealing with unexpected expenses that hinder their ability to feed themselves and their families. Unfortunately, this is an ever-present reality for veterans who’ve sacrificed so much for this country. Combating the veteran hunger crisis can be a daunting feet, but with funding from the Focus Grant program, Elk’s all over the country have the upper hand in the fight to end veteran hunger.
At right, members from Vista, Calif., Lodge No. 1968 at the Wounded Warrior Homes food pantry.
Like Elks from Vista, Calif., Lodge No. 1968 who used a portion of their Focus Grant funds to purchase and deliver much needed supplies to the Wounded Warrior Homes food pantry. Members utilized grant funds to purchase items like canned fruits and vegetables, dried pasta and granola bars to stock the shelves of the food pantry. Thanks to the hard work of Vista Elks, Wounded Warrior Homes can continue to feed the approximately 100 veterans living within their facilities.
Members from Mesa-Buckhorn, Ariz., Lodge No. 2656 utilize their Focus Grant funds to provide a monthly distribution of food, cleaning supplies and hygiene items to Valor on 8th’s food pantry. Project Manager, Debra Melton, share that “The pantry helps the veterans by stretching their money and food stamps a little farther to get them through the month. By supplying things like hygiene and cleaning supplies, we are able to help them save a little money they can then use to purchase other food items.”
At left, members from Merritt Island, Fla., Lodge No. 2650 barbequing during one of their ‘Burger Burn’ events.
Elks from Merritt Island, Fla., Lodge No. 2650 used their Focus Grant funds to purchase and distribute necessary goods to their local Volunteers of America (VOA) and Housing for Homeless (HfH) food pantries. “The Focus Grant was a godsend to continually keep the food pantries stocked,” Project Manager, Kim Johnson, shares. “The veterans really love the convenience of the pantry.” For Veterans Day, Merritt Island members also treated veterans residing at the VOA and HfH with a special ‘Burger Burn’ to enjoy a day of barbeque and comradery!
If you and your Lodge are interested in applying, Focus Grants will be available at the beginning of the fiscal year on April 1st. Ending veteran hunger is becoming an achievable endeavor thanks to the hard work of Elks!
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