"Clean" Food For All....

GROW -GIVE-TEACH....That pretty much sums it up. Three words, three very powerful words that describe the 180 foundation.  I believe those three words are more important to us now than ever before as we see so many more people out of work and going hungry.  God has led us down a path that has certainly stretched us emotionally, finacially, and physically, all while opening our eyes to what is reality in America.  It has taken five plus years to get us there and He's not finished.  To this point, I believe it's just the tip of the iceberg.

As we've gotten more involved with food ministries, I've listened to some of them speak about seeing more people needing food than ever before. They’re seeing people who've never stepped foot into a food bank/pantry before, once with good jobs, now struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their family's head.  As a father, not knowing how I'd put food on the table, provide a safe place to sleep, or how I'd clothe my children would be scary, yet it's a reality for so many families right now.  I think one of a father or mothers worst nightmares is telling their hungry child that their's no food because we have no money and/or the food banks are out of food.   

Hearing this has made my resolve stronger to reach more struggling families with "clean" foods, that we produce or through highly respectable companies like UNFI, which we have developed a strong relationship with.  Just last week, UNFI donated organic/natural foods like flour, sugar, rice and many other staples that we were able to provide to "The Sow Good Center" and "Trinity Fellowship's" food pantry.  This is UNFI's second donation, over 1000lbs, and it will feed many people.

I guess my thoughts on organic foods are that everyone should have access to it.  Giving the worst, over processed foods we have to offer (from deep in our pantry to those less fortunate) well, it's not what Jesus would do.  He has really opened my heart along the way. Ten years ago, I would have given the worst food in the pantry and not thought twice about it. Things change and He has certainly changed us. Proverbs 21:13 says, “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.”   I think I understand that verse more now than I ever have.


Back ten years ago to right now, my belief in the "American way of life" has changed.  It's more than consumerism, but compassion for others.  It's not every man for himself, but loving thy neighbor(still working on that).  It's not using one finger to describe your angry feelings to a passing motorist, but a friendly wave with the whole hand.  Lastly, it's not giving someone the worst you have to offer, but giving the best you have to give.

Nicole summed it up best many years ago to me, but it took a while to sink in. She said, and I'm paraphrasing, "Don't just give the fresh pot of coffee to your work life and leave the used grinds for when you get home."  I believe that can be a phrase used for every part of life and how we interact with others.  I know, it's kind of deep right before Christmas, but I think there is no better time than now to start giving the best of yourself to your family and to those in need.  It will make everyone a lot happier!

Coming up next....I've had some requests from a while back and here recently for recipes, from sides to Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and using local or straight off the farm ingredients. I'll be requiring some help from my beautiful wife for that!