The Friday and Monday following Thanksgiving are synonymous with holiday sales, and those shopping savings could be spent towards helping others in our community and around the world.

This is the fifth year of Giving Tuesday, a global movement to encourage people to get involved and give back to their communities in response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

HACAP Mobile Food Pantry Coordinator Bob Andrlik comments on the connection the holiday season has with food insecurity, “It’s the interesting thing that happens is we think more about food insecurity during the holidays. Because the holidays are so focused on food for families and stuff, but really the need is constant year round.”

Andrlik facilitates the HACAP Mobile Food Pantry that stops in Washington and Brighton the first Thursday of every month. Washington and surrounding residents who meet income eligibility guidelines can receive free food, and Andrlik describes how a donation of just $1 can impact a pantry recipient, “For every 1.2 pounds that we are able to put out there that’s essentially an equivalent meal. So we’re able to put out 5-7 equivalent meals per dollar that we take in because of the way we’re structured. So a dollar’s worth impact can have a huge impact on the community that we’re putting it out for.”

HACAP doesn’t succeed on dollars alone, as Andrlik is always seeking out volunteers to help with the mobile pantry. If you are interested in volunteering at the Washington mobile pantry you can call Andrlik at 319-491-4686 or contact Washington County Public Health. Information on other volunteer opportunities and how to donate are at hacap.org.