Summer Stewardship: Serving the Hungry in the Summer

Amy Ponson is the Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana. She is a wife, mother, and philanthropist.

As the warmth of summer envelops us in its embrace, it’s a season ripe with opportunities to deepen our faith, strengthen family bonds, and practice stewardship. In the heart of this season, amidst the abundance of nature’s bounty, lies a poignant call to action – to extend our hands in service to those in need, and take an opportunity to engage our next generation in learning how to give back. 

Service and volunteerism was engrained in me as a young child by my mother. She led by example, and while at times it felt like she dragged my sister and me around, today I vividly remember my experiences giving back. I will never forget serving at a soup kitchen in New Orleans at the ripe age of 11 and 12, and the faces of the individuals who had not eaten in days. Their expression of gratitude filled my heart and made a lasting impression, building me into the person I am today. My faith was built in our church, but it started at home by my family putting it into practice often. 

For many of us, the essence of our faith is intricately woven with the fabric of family. It’s within the embrace of our loved ones that we learn the values and principles that guide us in life. And what better way to instill these values than through the act of service? Teaching the next generation the importance of volunteering and serving those less fortunate not only cultivates empathy and compassion but also fosters a deep connection to our faith and community.

Summer, with students being home, relaxed schedules, no homework or afterschool rush, provides the perfect opportunity to engage in meaningful service activities as a family. And what better cause to rally behind than supporting local food banks during this time of need? We are reminded often about the food banks around the holidays with canned good food drives. However, so often the summertime is when our food banks have the highest rates of requests because students are home and not being fed at school. I know as a mom of three myself it is incredibly hard to keep our pantry stocked during the summer. While the abundance of fresh produce may grace our tables, it’s crucial to remember that for many families, summer can be a time of scarcity. Food banks often experience a decline in donations during the warmer months, exacerbating the struggles of those already facing hunger.

By volunteering at food banks, families can actively participate in addressing this pressing issue within their own communities. Whether it’s sorting and packaging food items, assisting with distribution, or organizing fundraising events, there are countless ways to get involved. These hands-on experiences not only make a tangible difference in the lives of others but also impart invaluable lessons to children about the importance of generosity, humility, and solidarity.

Moreover, serving at food banks provides families with an opportunity to witness the transformative power of faith in action. As we extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in need, we embody the teachings of Jesus Christ, who exhorted us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the marginalized. In these acts of service, we find a profound expression of our shared humanity and our commitment to living out the Gospel message. Furthermore, volunteering at food banks during the summer serves as a powerful reminder of our role as stewards of God’s creation. 

As a busy mom with a full-time job, I know how hard it is to pull away and carve out time. However, when I let go of the pressure and decided I would simply bring my kids along, it became one of our more fulfilling experiences together. It taught me the importance of allowing my kids to see the community around them, to humble themselves, and to experience God’s grace and filling our hearts with joy and compassion to give back. 

In essence, serving at food banks during the summer is not just about filling empty stomachs; it’s about nourishing the soul and nurturing the bonds of faith and family. It’s about instilling values that will guide future generations to be compassionate, empathetic, and socially responsible individuals. As we embark on this journey of service together, let us heed the call to love and serve one another, knowing that in giving, we receive far more than we could ever imagine.

Not sure where to start? Catholic Charites right here in our own diocese has a number of foodbanks in your backyard: Catholic Community Center, Galliano, Good Samaritan Food bank in Raceland, Good Samaritan Food bank in Thibodaux, and our Food bank at St. Lucy’s in Houma which will be open very soon! You don’t have to look far to see the need and to easily give back! I encourage you to open your hearts to service!