Hello Friends,

As we acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month, I am reminded of the many iconic change agents of our past and present. I cannot help but be inspired and hopeful for the work that continues ahead. As a black leader in this community, I can tell you there is a lot of excitement and integrity behind our intention for social change and food justice. I am so very fortunate to witness this each day with our team members, interns, volunteers, and donors. Each person eager to share their gifts, passing along knowledge, a smile with a meal provided or even an embrace, simply to say “you are not alone.” It’s everyday people who are making a difference.

Even as we work together to eradicate food insecurity for all members of our community, our data has shown us that many black communities consistently face hunger at higher rates due to social, economic, and environmental challenges. Black women are especially more likely to be essential frontline workers and more inclined to work in industries hit hardest by the pandemic. The United States has a general overall poverty rate of 11.4%. Within the black community, the poverty rate rises to 19.5%. Meanwhile, poverty in the non-Hispanic white community is 10.1%. These statistics show there is still more to be done.

We understand that collaborative efforts of convenience without shared values and objectives are a recipe for disaster; however, the Food Shuttle at its core is open to a relationship that is based on a shared outlook. Many of our neighbors who are food insecure suffer from obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic hunger. All of which can result from something as simple as a lack of access to healthy foods. The solution is a collaborative effort, solid leadership, and a fundamental plan of action, which requires ongoing resources to bring these initiatives to reality within our local communities.

Community leaders all across the nation are charting this new course, and that requires shared commitment and resources to realize our vision of a hunger free community. I invite you to join us at this defining moment in our history to change the data metrics and close the gap for everyone within the community facing these challenges, but especially for communities most disproportionately affected by the pandemic, its economic fallout, and systemic barriers.

As I look at the diversity of our supporters, who are committed to contributing time, talent, and treasure to this effort, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride — and hope. Change begins with us. Together, we are our own source of wealth–everyday people who can and are making a difference. We are a community taking care of community, regardless of race, color, and creed, because no child deserves to go hungry!  I thank you for your continued support.

Yours in service,

L. Ron Pringle

President and CEO