A Solution Shaped By Choice

Recently, I read a thought-provoking sentiment, it said….”at no time have humans had greater power in the sense of greater ability to shape the world around us. Yet we experience utter and complete powerlessness to shape the course of change.” After reflecting on that, I have to say I disagree about the piece on powerlessness. For those of you who support us (and did so in a very generous way during December), you made a choice to use your personal power to make an impact and as a result altered the course of change in many lives of people who did not know where their next meal was coming from. For all of you who support us, thank you. Your collective efforts allowed us to distribute enough food at the end of last year that is equivalent to 2,000 meals per hour. That’s a powerful solution shaped by collective “choice”.

Second Harvest Food Bank is fortunate to receive support in terms of food, volunteer time and financial donations. This support comes from all directions in a variety of ways, locally, State-wide, nationally and even internationally. Here’s an interesting international example: We recently met with a representative from Last Minute Market, a non-profit organization from Bologna, Italy. They help facilitate the movement of surplus food, pharmaceuticals, seeds and books. We shared “bueno pratiche”, otherwise known as “best practices”. This exchange was an invigorating two-way dialogue in ideas and possible new connections, concepts and programs. This is just one of hundreds of examples of how people have used their power to shape their world through choice.

As negative and fatalistic as the news is nowadays, let’s not fall into the trap of accepting it at face value. While it would be naïve to think everything is just fine, there is so much we can do to change things for the better in our neighborhood and in our community. If not us, who?

Dave Krepcho
President/CEO