Lions Can Fill the Gaps

 Greetings, Lions.

Regardless of where you live, the change of the seasons comes with certain rituals. For many of us, those rituals involve food. Whether it’s the smell of your grandmother’s soup or your neighbor’s hot dogs on the grill, the smells of the season fill you with warm memories.

But that may not be the case for those living with hunger. For many, this time of year brings fear and anxiety. Yet another cold winter to make it through with little to eat. Or one more long hot summer without a school lunch for a hungry child.

As Lions, it’s our responsibility to help those who need us. No one in our communities should wonder where their next meal is coming from. But whenever possible, we should look beyond the short-term fixes. Yes, we should stock food pantries and man soup kitchens. But we should also look at the bigger picture. What is causing our neighbors to be hungry? And how can we, as Lions, help change the odds for families that are struggling?

Everyone should have the opportunity to make choices that are good for their health. Everyone should have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Everyone should be able to take a walk in a park or have a safe, reliable way to get to work.

So, when there is a gap — no grocery store for miles, no reliable transportation, no parks — Lions can help repair these holes in our communities. We can form the social safety nets that keep our neighbors living healthy, fulfilling lives.

As you plan your holiday meals or fire up your summer grills, think of ways your community could be better serving everyone. And find a way to fix it.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jung-Yul Choi

International President, Lions Clubs International