Blessing A Family Goes So Much Further Than The Dinner Table…

By: Nikia Wells

There is an ever so slight wintry chill in the air. And, even though 2020 proved to have no broughtupsy, the brisk 60 degree mornings and Christmas classics playing on the radio have inspired a bit of holiday cheer and excitement around the country. Things may not have been….’teengs’, in 2020, but many are still smiling, laughing, and making the best of the festive season, despite facing exceptional hardships, many times in secret. 

The Bahamian culture, sweet mouth as we are, is often united over a hearty meal. We laugh and crack jokes by the dining room table. We reminisce over dessert. And, we are bonded through the familiar flavours and ingredients that bring us comfort. But, this holiday season, thousands are quietly doing their best to simply provide the basics for themselves and their families, while stringing Christmas decorations of years gone by and putting on a brave face that may not betray what they are truly experiencing. And, those who were previously entirely self sufficient, may quietly be struggling, unaware of how or where to seek assistance. 

According to the Hands for Hunger website, prior to 2020, 1 in every 3 people in The Bahamas faced some level of food insecurity. 1 in every 10 people also lived below the poverty line and experienced severe food insecurity with just $4.00 a day to spend on meals. That number has undoubtedly greatly increased in the past several months, due to the economic impact of the pandemic. But, there are a number of organizations, groups and individuals who are ensuring that people around the country have access to nutritious, filling and delicious meals. They are also doing so quietly, behind the scenes and without the desire to showcase their outreach efforts or the vulnerability of those they seek to help. 

There are many ways that individuals can donate and support the meal assistance programs around the country. But, the Showman eBistro “Bless A Family” Meal Kit provides an option for persons to support their fellow Bahamians by providing a family of four with a complete holiday dinner. This can be gifted directly to a chosen family to brighten their holiday, or be donated to the many community outreach groups that the Showman eBistro Team partners with. Meal kits are also delivered without any indication that the recipient is receiving a donation or a “hand out” – it is simply a gift of kindness.

And, that gift of a hot and delicious holiday meal can go so much further than simply filling bellies. It can provide a family with a bit of relief, comfort and normalcy, as they come together and enjoy Christmas without worrying about if and what will be on the table.