"Thank You For the Food!": A Bed & Bread Story
“There are a lot of us who depend on that truck.”
Betty Chandler, a retired grandmother, sits in her living room with her granddaughter, Nevaeh. Betty is speaking about how she, her son, and her daughter-in-law are trying to make a life for her three grandchildren – and how The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread trucks are an integral part of their daily routine. While she can make it to the local food pantry from time to time, bus fares and schedules are difficult for families to manage. Fortunately, the Bed & Bread trucks visit the neighborhoods of Detroit every day, seeking out people who need help most.
“I also take food for my neighbors,” says Betty, a lifelong resident of Detroit. “They have extended family there all the time – there’s at least 10 kids over there on any given day, and it’s hard for them all to get out. I help them when I can.”
For many Detroiters, life presented numerous struggles pre-pandemic; with COVID-19, hardships have intensified and new challenges have emerged. Betty experienced the loss of her mother and sister-in-law while trying to support and care for the rest of her family through the pandemic. Additionally, her son has had difficulty finding consistent work while her daughter-in-law is pursuing a degree online.
“It’s been difficult,” says Betty. “But when I’ve had nowhere else to turn for help, The Salvation Army has been there. No one should feel embarrassed or ashamed to get help – that’s what they are there for.”
Nevaeh, Betty’s nine-year-old granddaughter, smiles when asked about the truck. “The Bed & Bread trucks make me happy!” she exclaims. Recently, Nevaeh drew a picture and wrote a note to thank their local Bed & Bread truck driver. “The food is very good, and I get very hungry,” says the vivacious straight-A student. “I was feeling really happy the day I drew the picture." She says she has plans to draw another picture and felt encouraged about her art skills after finishing the first one. "
"The people from The Salvation Army help out a lot. If you need help, you should go to them, too!”
The Bed & Bread Club® makes stories like this possible for Detroiters every year. Give now to help us reach families facing hunger, and be sure to tune in to the 35th annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon on February 25th!