Gleaning

Just returned from Indiana, where the rain and sunshine take turns, resulting in the most beautiful gardens. I spent many hours driving through cornfields, which were also green and lush. Mom had zucchini on her kitchen counter. They were turned into some fabulous zucchini bars. I remember having these as a child, and enjoyed the creamy icing that makes them scrumptious.

This morning, an article in the local paper hit me:

"Some folks are gearing up to participate in the Hunger Relief Alliance's gleaning program, where volunteers gather produce left in fields and orchards after harvest. The effort yields thousands of pounds of fresh Arkansas foods, like corn, squash, tomatoes and watermelon, which are then given to our local food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters."

Arkansas has the highest number of food insecure children of any state in the country. "Food insecure" means they have limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate foods, or enough food to help them stay healthy and active. One in four Arkansas children qualifies for this sad category. They are especially at risk during the summer months.

I know a lot of these children at school. I am very happy to know teachers who make sure there are plentiful snacks in their classrooms, knowing that a full child learns better, and acts better, than a hungry child.

The contrast between Indiana and Arkansas really hit me today. I am thankful for perspective which makes me feel grateful for all our blessings, including full tummies.