Operation Rice Bowl: A Lenten Tradition
St. Peter Claver Food Bank
My name is Latronia Latson and I am a 46-year-old single grandmother, raising my 2 grandchildren. Many families in my neighborhood in Fort Myers, Florida are struggling to make ends meet. However, the social outreach center at St. Peter Claver Catholic Mission has been a source of support for those in need in our community. I believe that God blesses others through our good acts, and the Operation Rice Bowl supported food bank at St. Peter Claver is a place where good acts are happening.
For the past 4 years, I have volunteered at the food bank's pantry preparing supplies that are distributed to over 100 people in the community. Food, clothing, household goods, diapers, funds for preventing utilities shut offs, and emergency prescription medicines are distributed through the outreach center. Many of the people we serve have illnesses or are caring for children as single parents. The food bank is only open during limited hours, and not everyone can make it in to the center to pick up food. To help meet everyone's needs, each person that picks up food will share it with 5 other families.
My family has its own problems, but I know that if I give up, there will only be more trouble in the world. By taking care of my family, I help take care of my community. Through the St. Peter Claver Food Bank, people in our community have a concrete way to help each other when they are in need.
