MURRAY, KY — During this time of pandemic-induced crisis, many people find themselves primarily focused on the virus, the hospitals, and the nurses and doctors working to ease the havoc of COVID-19.
And the need for toilet paper, of course.
Not to suggest that all these people and things are not important at this time, they most certainly are, but one issue demands attention.
That issue is the food crisis families are experiencing that accompanies the job insecurity currently sweeping both the nation and the globe. Not only food, but household necessities as well.
This crisis is not new; the idea that certain people and families couldn’t afford to feed or clothe themselves isn’t something that came to be when the coronavirus caused mass layoffs.
Some students in grade-school have always worried about their next meal when school is not in session, losing that guaranteed breakfast and lunch from school during fall, winter, spring and summer breaks.
After the closing of campus, some students at Murray State University are experiencing this anxiety upon their return home, wondering if they will be able to find a proper meal.
This crisis has only been deepened by the health pandemic known as COVID-19. In hopes of easing this issue, new unsung heroes have risen, and they are working even harder.In Murray, at least two groups are helping people manage food insecurity.
“During a time full of unknowns, now more than ever people need some form of consistency in their lives… a place to go to receive a meal, a smile, or a connection to other resources that they need,” said Olivia Robison, the program manager and volunteer coordinator for Murray’s local soup kitchen, Soup for the Soul. “We are able to offer all of these things in a way that follows all of the restrictions set during this time.”
While Soup for the Soul has made a few changes, including switching to take-out only, Robison said the soup kitchen still wants to help people.
“The only people allowed in are our daily volunteer teams,” Robison said. “Our dining area is closed, instead we open up our back garage door and serve meals with little to no contact with the people in hopes to limit exposures.”
Soup for the Soul has seen an increase in the number of people using the kitchen, Robison said. The soup kitchen usually sees around 50 people this time of year, but it is now averaging between the 70s and 80s.
“As shutdowns continue we would not be surprised if the number continues to rise,” Robison said.
Similar to Soup for the Soul, Need Line has changed its methods of helping people as well. Need Line provides families with multiple community services, but specializes in food-based needs.
Jeanne Matthis, a Need Line case worker, said the service has changed its hours. While workers are cleaning, disinfecting and preparing from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., people may come receive aid from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rather than come inside its building, Need Line now requests that visitors park by the front door where a volunteer or worker will bring food out as no one is allowed in the building except for workers and volunteers.
Need Line, which is receiving calls from surrounding counties about aid, has also started stressing that those needing aid bring proof of residency. Matthis said while they want to help everyone, Needline only has enough supplies to help the people of Calloway County.
Matthis said she also feels similarly to Robison about the need for services like Soup for the Soul and Need Line.
“There are numerous people in countless temporary crises due to job loss from COVID-19 and it is so important to continue support,” Matthis said.
In Murray, countless small businesses have closed temporarily since the pandemic began, and some businesses have furloughed employees or cut their hours.
So, while many are struggling at this time, and wondering where their next meal will come from, these unsung heroes offer relief their community can and always will be able to count on.