Relief on a Rainy Day

Clouds covered the sky and rain drops started to fall as a line of cars grew in south Dallas. This area of town is considered a food desert, leaving families who live here with limited or no access to healthy and affordable food. That’s why, when a Feed the Children truck rolled into town, these families couldn’t be stopped by a little rain.

“Things are so high. Everything is expensive, so it’s going to be a big help,” said Chris, a grandmother taking care of two grandchildren.

As volunteers from Niagara Bottling, a long-time Feed the Children partner, finished unloading boxes from the semi-trucks, families like Bea’s looked on. The thought of receiving the food brought instant relief to this mother of two young teens.

“This food will help my family because it gets hard, you know? It gets hard when you’re trying to put a meal together. And it’s just good to know that you have something to look forward to eating,” she told us.

Once the boxes were neatly stacked, volunteer and Niagara employee Timyria Lewis was ready with a smile. The weather didn’t dampen her mood.

“The rain is awesome. We’re getting wet, but we are enjoying everybody. I love it. I love the rain!” said Timyria.

Ann Canela, Director of Corporate Giving for Niagara Cares, the philanthropic arm of Niagara Bottling, was excited to help so many families.

“We are feeding 800 families for a week,”she said, “and we’re very excited about today!”

Every family received a 25-pound box of food including canned vegetables, cereal, peanut butter, mac and cheese and water. They also got a 15-pound box of personal-care essentials like shampoo, razors, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products and more. These items are not covered by SNAP benefits and give families more room in their budgets for food.

Volunteers loaded the boxes in peoples’ cars, and Rene Holterman, volunteer and Niagara employee, told us how events like this serve a greater purpose.

“What you put out is what you’re going to get back. So, I think operating in that manner is incredibly important for us as human beings. I think we become better leaders. I think we become better parents. We just become better people. And hopefully then, overall, the community becomes better.”

Both Chris and Bea were grateful as they made their way through the line and received their boxes of food and essentials.

“Thank you so much. We love it and we love you. We appreciate you. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you,” Chris said as she squeezed her grandson, Carson.

“I’m going to tell you what… this allows me to keep food going through my house throughout the month. And also, it allows me to be able to pay my bills. I thank God, and I’m grateful for you all,” Bea said.

The day brought rain, but also hope and relief in Dallas in the form of food and essentials for hundreds of families. It would not have been possible without you. Thank you for your support!