Unitarian Universalism is a unique religion, in that its members share no common creed. Instead, we search for our own truths while covenanting to share these values: interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity and equity — all centered around love.
Like many other faiths, our values are most evident through our actions. Local UUs are active in the community in many ways, but one project that is increasingly important to us is operating a small food pantry at the Congregation Sukkat Shalom Temple on Saturday mornings. This is an interfaith effort with our spiritual home hosts, the members of the Jewish community.
Our pantry is a “no questions asked” pantry, other than capturing how many adults and children each shopper is providing for that week. Shoppers are afforded the dignity of choosing the items they want from our shelves, always keeping in mind that other hungry people are waiting behind them.
Originally envisioned as a food resource for hungry folks in the immediate neighborhood, our small food pantry now also serves people who take the bus or drive to shop with us. We don’t turn anyone away, as we know it is humbling to have to stand in line for something so basic as food to feed your family. Moms, dads, elders, single folks and children all are grateful for this resource (though sometimes volunteers have to let go of expectations to get a polite “thank you” or remember that a shopper may have very good reasons for not presenting their best self). To help me channel my inner patience and tolerance when assisting a grumpy shopper, I frequently call to mind the words we hear every Sunday morning after the collection plate is passed:
Let us be grateful when we are able to give, for many do not have that privilege. Let us be grateful to those who share their gifts with us, for we are enriched by their giving. Let us be grateful for our needs, so that we may learn from the generosity of others.
Currently in Alaska, one in eight people faces food insecurity, 98,000 Alaskans worry about where their next meal will come from and the average cost of a simple meal continues to rise. The need is obviously great and growing, so our two congregations — both tiny in size and budget, but mighty in effort and belief — live our values by helping people obtain food, a basic necessity of life. It is truly faith in action.
We couldn’t do this important work without the Southeast Alaska Food Bank, where we get most of the food we distribute. SEAFB collects food from grocery stores and purchases in bulk many staples, and then makes it all available at incredibly low prices to food pantries and other agencies that serve people in need.
But SEAFB can’t do it all. Local food pantries, most of which are faith-based, also depend on and need donations from the generous people of Juneau. In addition to monetary donations, local pantries will happily accept unopened, unexpired, non-perishable food and hygiene products. Having a variety of items available to choose from is a wonderful experience, whether shopping at a grocery store or a food pantry. And running out of food to share while the pantry is open, as was the case at Resurrection Lutheran Church’s pantry a few weeks ago, is a terrible experience for shoppers and volunteers alike.
Whatever your belief system or spiritual practice, if you are thankful for the bounty of food, family, friends and fortune available to you, please consider supporting your neighborhood food pantry with one-time or ongoing contributions. On behalf of all food pantries, thank you.
To drop off food or funds, pantry open hours are as follows: Resurrection Lutheran Church: Tuesdays noon-4:30 p.m.; Douglas United Community Methodist Church: Wednesdays 2-4 p.m.; Shepherd of the Valley: Saturdays 9-10 a.m.; The Little Temple on the Corner: Saturdays 9:30-11 a.m.; and SEAFB: Thursdays 3-5 p.m. Auke Bay Bible Church, Salvation Army and St. Vincent De Paul also help people with food and other needs by appointment.
• Jetta Whittaker is a longtime member of the Juneau Unitarian Universalist Fellowship who has worn many different hats in support of the Juneau community. “Living and Growing” is a weekly column written by different authors and submitted by local clergy and spiritual leaders. It appears every Saturday on the Juneau Empire’s Faith page.
