The proverbial saying, “Every cloud has a silver lining,” is used to convey the notion that, no matter how bad a situation might seem, there is always some good aspect to it. Is there a “silver lining” in this pandemic we’re experiencing? Well, that would be a real stretch. But I’ll try.
Five weeks ago, my primary source of food supply for the Roser Food Pantry (Publix) inadvertently cut me off. Not the store’s fault. That was at the time that bathroom tissue couldn’t be found and all other staples were flying off the shelves due to the pandemic fears. And that was the situation in any store, everywhere. Masks, rubber gloves, TP, disinfectant, cleaning supplies… you remember.
Four weeks ago, when my first bulk order was denied, I began searching for alternative sources to buy food supplies. No need to worry. I had a relatively full pantry and a healthy bank account. That was until my third weekly bulk order was also denied. Publix corporate was making the decisions on what each store got to restock their shelves. Of course, my food needs were not on their trucks. Because of the business closings on the island, we had just opened our doors to island workers displaced by this pandemic, much the same as we did in the 2017 red tide emergency. New applications for pantry benefits were coming in weekly. All Island Denominations Board, the Island Chamber of Commerce and Anna Maria Commission Chair Carol Carter, a friend, learned of the pantry’s situation and sent memos out to their extensive list of friends, people and organizations. They cautioned that this was not a financial need, rather a supply need. A bag of groceries or two is what was needed. They all included a list of supplies desired and locations where donations were being accepted.
Two weeks ago it started; the potential “silver lining” in all of this worldly pandemic anxiety. During Food Pantry hours, cars began to pull in and leave bags and bags of needed food items. One island lady called from Costco and asked, “What do you need? I’m in a buying mood.” Within an hour she dropped off nearly $500 in needed groceries. Publix donated two bundles (800 count) of paper bags. People were dropping off grocery bags and cash/checks one after the other. One island resident joined with a convenience store owner and conceived of a means to have $6,000 of nonperishable food delivered just last Thursday. Even a manager (island resident) at FELD Entertainment heard of our need and donated two very large cases of cotton candy. What a treat for the children we serve!
Thank you one and all. You know who you are.
Does a “deep sense of community” for all involved in fulfilling our short-term need count as a “silver lining?” You bet it does.
Jack Brennan
Proud Island resident; Chair of the Roser Food Pantry
Anna Maria, FL 34216
