The Grocery Store

Today when I checked out at the grocery story, the women ringing up my order asked if I wanted to contribute to the local food bank by buying some groceries. I told her no, that I gave a monthly contribution to them. And I think I added something about what good work they do. She thanked me and said she wished she could get some reasonably priced groceries. I told her that the Food Bank has a grocery store where you can just go and shop – no cost, no screening, no pre-approval. She must have known about that, because she said it was hard for her to get there because of her schedule and transportation. She told me that she has to take a cab or Uber to her job at the grocery store. I asked where she lived – across town, not in walking distance of her work or the Food Bank. We talked about how hard it is to navigate public transpiration, which I have had to do a little but not for survival. She told me that it was hard to make ends meet, that she had cancelled her cable tv so she could pay for food. And….she works in a grocery store. 

I didn’t know what to do for her. I don’t know what to do for any people like this who are working so hard, trying so hard. I keep doing my monthly donation to the Food Bank. That is something. But in the months ahead, I know that eliminating hunger will be like emptying the ocean with a teaspoon. There are so many people like this woman who are working as hard as they can and still can’t make ends meet. And there are so many more who will be required to get a job and that won’t make things any easier for them – if they can even find work and pay to get there. 

And there was my grocery order: two key lime pies, goat cheese, a bottle of wine.  It was just my grocery list, but for the woman ringing up my order, I think it was an unimaginable luxury. 

Lord, have mercy.