My wife just returned from attending a conference. While she was gone I had a friend over for a cookout. While the burgers were cooking we caught up. He told me about volunteering for the Lowcountry Food Bank and how low their supplies have gotten. He talked about the need being so much greater than we thought.
When we watch tv we see commercials about the starving children with bloated stomachs in some corner of Africa. It is hard to believe how many kids and adults go hungry every day in our country as well as our city.
The other day, while talking to a gallery owner downtown, a man approached and said he was hungry. He had just arrived in town from one of the islands and had not eaten for a few days. He said he did not want to buy liquor and that we could take him some place and just buy him some food. Without a moment's hesitation, the gallery owner, said "sure" and took him to get some food. When he got back he told me how hungry the man had been and how appreciative he was. He said he had given him some cash to buy more food later. I felt about half an inch high. My first reaction was not that noble.
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Saturday morning I stopped by the Village Bakery on Pitt Street, Mt. Pleasant. i was checking the interior space for an art show that I would be participating in this coming Thursday. I was telling one of the workers about my discussion with my friend about the Lowcountry Food Bank and that I had decided to donate half of my sales from that night. I bought one of the muffins and was just turning to leave when about a dozen nuns entered. I am not sure if this happened in response to my statement or if they were just looking for a great breakfast. Either way, I took it as a good omen.
In an effort at full-disclosure, I have to tell you that the muffin did not make it home. I am doing this becuase I am sure my wife will read this and wonder why I did not share it with her.
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All of us can do something to fight hunger. The Lowcountry Food Bank can use your help. You can donate directly to them or stop by Thursday from 5-7 pm and purchase one of my prints. I will make sure the Food Bank gets their fair share.
By the way, the muffin was delicious.
Michael kaynard is a local photographer who lives in West Ashley. You can view his photos at http://kaynardphotography.webs.com. He can be reached at mkaynard@gmail.com or 843-412-2299.