Support Your Neighbor

Support Your Neighbor

A young woman, the weight of four children and a lifetime of hardships etched on her face, entered with gratitude in her heart. It had been years since her family had savored the warmth of a true Thanksgiving feast, their lives shadowed by three tumultuous years and the painful loss of her partner. Despite her tireless efforts, the prospect of providing a Thanksgiving meal seemed like an insurmountable hurdle. The extravagance of dining out at a restaurant remained a distant dream, well beyond her meager means.

Then, like a ray of hope piercing the darkness, a simple yet profound gesture arrived from us—a Thanksgiving dinner. In that moment, tears welled up in her eyes, and the floodgates of emotion opened wide. This small act of kindness meant the world to her and her family, a lifeline of compassion in a sea of adversity. But this young woman's story is not hers alone; it resonates with the experiences of millions across the nation. According to sobering 2019 Census data, over 34 million Americans grapple with the harsh realities of poverty. In the heart of New York, food banks witness a staggering surge in demand, as countless individuals and families fight to put food on their tables.

The disparities are glaring. A commissioned report from Feeding America, as of July 2020, revealed that more than 1 in 5 Black and Latino adults with children sometimes or often faced the daunting prospect of not having enough to eat. This rate was double that of white and Asian households. It's a sobering fact that women, households with children, and people of color bear the brunt of this burden of hunger.

It's a stark reminder of the systemic challenges that millions endure daily. It's a call to action, a plea for change, and a testament to the enduring power of compassion and support in the face of adversity.

COVID-19 has only served to exacerbate poverty levels. Feeding America has estimated that the number will rise to 50 million people facing hunger before the end of 2021. Northwestern University has reported that food insecurity has more than doubled due to the worsening economic crisis brought on by the outbreak. Simultaneously, New York's farmers have been confronted with their own unprecedented and severe financial challenges. Many have lost up to 50% of their markets due to the closure of schools and restaurants, leaving them without a place to sell their perishable goods. The Black Farmer Community, who were already struggling, earning just $1 for every $5 a white farmer makes in NYS, were among the hardest hit. According to the USDA Census, Black farmers have a net income of -$903 annually, while the average farmer's net income is $42,875.

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At Seasoned Gives, our mission is resolute: to forge enduring solutions to the pressing issues of poverty, hunger, and social injustice. We do this by nurturing self-sufficiency through the powerful tools of financial literacy, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, especially within marginalized underserved communities. Support Your Neighbor embodies our commitment to crafting demand-responsive programs that swiftly address immediate crises. For instance, we are dedicated to sourcing produce from local farmers, supplying vital sustenance to food pantries, churches, and families in need. Furthermore, we extend a helping hand by offering apprenticeship and employment opportunities to those facing limited resources or opportunities. In this way, we bridge the gap between struggling businesses and the critical needs of our communities.

The heartfelt journey of Martin and Tamika Dunkley began with their determination to provide for two families when making ends meet was a daily battle. Their love and generosity have blossomed to feed hundreds of people every week, with over 2100 individuals enjoying a hearty Thanksgiving meal this past year. This remarkable feat has been made possible through individual donations and the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers.

While we take immense pride in the impact we've made, we recognize the magnitude of the challenges that persist.

It is with this awareness that Support Your Neighbor takes center stage. With the funds we raise, we aim to expand our reach and develop demand-responsive programs that tackle immediate crises head-on. Our commitment remains steadfast as we continue to support local farmers, feed the hungry, and offer valuable opportunities to those in need. In our relentless pursuit of justice and equity, we have forged partnerships with local organizations. Together, we are creating a network of change agents to address the pervasive issues affecting our communities nationwide.

Today, we introduce Support Your Neighbor as a project that will amplify our existing efforts on a grander scale. Our goal is to touch more lives, assist more communities, and your generous contributions will be the driving force behind our expanded impact.

The time for action is now, and we place our trust in you to help us meet the urgent needs of BIPOC and marginalization. Your generous donations will not only uplift individuals who seek to flourish and succeed but also play a pivotal role in promoting community collaboration, entrepreneurship, self-sufficiency, and equity.

People frequently inquire why we persist in our mission and wonder where we find the strength to carry on. The answer is rooted in our shared experiences and the firsthand challenges we've encountered. Even in the face of the substantial losses we've endured this year, we hold a profound gratitude for the gift of life, good health, and the unshakeable support of our community.

Together, we possess the power to catalyze enduring change and construct a brighter future for all.