It has recently come to my attention that basic toiletries such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper are hard to come by at our food pantries. They are just not donated that often. And it’s also been brought to my attention that Food Stamps cannot be used to purchase these items.
It made me realize that I take some of my basic necessities for granted, while others struggle to find a way to acquire them. I never have to think if there will be deodorant or shampoo never mind soap and toilet paper in my home. I just buy them and they are always there.
What about someone who is struggling to pay for rent and heat. What do they do?
What about the growing numbers of people frequenting the food pantries who find these items are not available. What do they do?
What if someone has Food Stamps and needs shampoo to go on a job interview or simply to feel good about themselves. What do they do?
If someone or some family can’t keep up with acquiring these items, What do they do? Do kids refuse to go to school, to Dads feel like they can’t go to work, do Moms feel ill equipped to leave the house and make outside contacts?
The more I contemplated this issue, the more I saw the huge connection between our physical hygiene and our mental well-being and physical health.
For many it’s heartbreaking to have to go to the food pantry and then to go there without being clean must feel even more demoralizing.
Gathering Change, Inc. is currently writing for a grant to make these items more accessible to those clients that need help at the food pantries. We see a direct link with an individual’s self-esteem and self-worth and their ability to stay clean and cared for. We believe this is not just a necessity but a basic right for all. We feel compelled to help others reclaim their dignity, a dignity that was lost when one does not have the items needed for self care.
Next time you make a donation to your local food pantry, consider giving these items. You won’t believe how how much they will be appreciated. To be able to care for ourselves and our families in this way, allows us to move forward in our lives and to take the next step to making changes that will help us. Let us not forget about these healing necessities.
Marianne Snow
