The fall vegetables are overflowing at farmers’ markets and apple cider is everywhere!  That means fall is here, bringing with it butternut and acorn squash, pumpkin, hearty greens, and apples to offer us endless possibilities for warm, comforting dishes.  From soup to pasta to desserts, there can be something delicious bubbling on the stove and baking in the oven all season long.

At A Place To Turn there is a distinct change in pace from summer to fall. Autumn begins the season of holiday food drives that help fill our shelves for months. It amazes me every year how many different companies, religious, school, civic and neighborhood groups hold drives, raise money and volunteer. The food and diaper drives, volunteer hours and monetary donations not only allow us to feed the community but send a powerful message that we are a community that takes care of each other.

As we enter the holiday season, one of hope and joy, I am also aware of the uncertainty in our world and our community.  At A Place To Turn we are seeing more and more families turn to us for help to put healthy food on their table and clean diapers on their babies.  We know that the cost of basic needs is too high, and SNAP and Medicaid benefits are decreasing or being cut completely for many of our neighbors. Families who were just making ends meet may suddenly face the reality of eating less so their kids can have enough or putting one less snack in the lunchbox. They need a little help.  

This community has always stepped up to offer that help. You do what you can to offer relief to the parents who worry the fridge will be empty when their kids need a snack or the last diaper will be used before they can afford the next box. Everything you do to help matters. When we all do what we can for each other, we build a community where we all want to live.

At A Place To Turn, we help fill dinner tables, lunchboxes and fridges.  And we do it with respect and dignity. But we could not, and would not want to, do our work without the tremendous community support we receive every day. You are all an important and valued part of our community.

I wish you a wonderful autumn, and a joyful holiday season filled with hope, love and of course, delicious food!

Rebecca Gallo