Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill and Illustrated by Brizida Magro is a new release from Albert Whitman Publishers. The book is written from the perspective of Molly, a little girl who visits a food pantry for the first time with her mother, who is out of work. While they wait in line, she also encounters a friend from school who is embarrassed to be there with her grandmother. While they wait in line, the girls color together and then give the artwork they create to the food pantry workers, “helping” to spread joy to those who are “helping” to provide food for so many.

The tagline “everyone needs a little help,” is repeated throughout the pages, bringing dignity to the scenes and the reality that is being depicted through the story.

This is the perfect book to read with your family to vividly illustrate the purpose of donating food to food pantries, as well as to show that there is no shame in needing to receive assistance. The back matter gives additional details about child hunger and offers helpful resources.

I think this book is a great springboard for discussion with your family or classroom…hopefully a discussion that will lead to action! It will help stir compassion in your heart and a willingness to be generous to those in need, as the reality of struggling families and food insecurity is very real in our country.

As you read this book, as yourself…What can I do to help?

DISCUSS:

What is the difference between a food pantry and a supermarket?

Why do Molly and her mother need to go to the food pantry?

Why does Caitlin pretend not to know Molly at first when they see each other in the line?

Have you ever needed help? Who helped you?

Who do you know that might need your help?

Is there a food pantry in your area? Where is it?

What could your family do to help others?

CALL TO ACTION:

Think of someone who could use your help and do something to meet that need. The obvious connection is to give food to a local food pantry, but you could extend this concept to meet other needs as well. I would love to hear about any action steps your family takes! Let’s make a difference this holiday season!

Buy the book here

Post submitted by Mindy Baker. Check out her website at www.mindybakerbooks.com

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