Safe Lives, Strong Voices Ep.4

In this episode of Safe Lives, Strong Voices, we highlight Tri-Valley Haven’s Food Pantry during Hunger Action Month, including a recent proclamation recognizing its impact and the dignity of our client-choice model. We also share gratitude for the dedicated volunteers who keep the pantry running every day. Looking ahead, we invite you to join us at our annual Pace for Peace 5K/10K in October — a community event that brings people together to walk, run, and stand for safety and peace.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 0:04

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Safe Lives Strong Voices, a podcast by Trivalley Haven. I'm Sue, and I'm really glad you're here. Each month, we share the ways our community comes together to create safety, healing, and hope. This month, we're focusing on two important moments, Hunger Action Month and our annual Pace for Peace event in October. Both are reminders that when we come together, whether through food or walking side by side for peace, we strengthen our community. September is Hunger Action Month, a time when communities across the country shine a light on food insecurity and take action to address it. Just recently, the City of Livermore honored our pantry with proclamation, recognizing the work we do to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. That recognition belongs not just to our agency, but to every other person who helps stock shelves, donate food, or share kindness with the neighbors who walk through those doors. One thing that makes our pantry unique is that it's a client choice pantry. So instead of receiving a pre-packed box of groceries, clients can actually walk through and choose the foods that fit their families' needs, cultural traditions, and preferences. This approach provides dignity and autonomy because everyone deserves the chance to decide what goes on their table. And none of this happens without our volunteers. Many of them are here every single day, helping with food distribution, keeping the pantry organized, and welcoming clients with warmth and respect. To all of our pantry volunteers, thank you. Your dedication is what makes this work possible. Looking ahead to October, Tri-Valley Haven will host our annual Pace for Peace 5K and 10K walkslash run on Saturday, October 4th, along with a 1K Kidsh. This event is more than just a race. It's a way for us to gather as a community and say, together, we believe in safety, justice, and peace. Every step taken that day supports survivors of violence and fuels the services that Tri-Valley Haven provides. As 100% of the proceeds go to our domestic violence services department. The energy at Pace for Peace is always uplifting. Families, individuals, kids, and community groups come out, some to run, some to walk, others to volunteer. And we're all united by the same vision of hope and peace. So if you haven't registered yet, I encourage you to join us. You can run, walk, or volunteer. However you take part, you're helping to build a safer, stronger community. When you look at Hunger Action Month and Pace for Peace side by side, the connection is clear. Both show us how much community action matters. Whether it's volunteers offering their time at the pantry or neighbors gathering at the start line of a race, each act of participation makes a difference. Together, we're meeting immediate needs like hunger and also building long-term hope for peace and safety. So thank you for joining me for this episode of Safe Lives Strong Voices. If you'd like to learn more about our food pantry or to register for Pace for Peace, please visit www.trivalleyhaven.org. And once again to our pantry volunteers and all volunteers. We see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn't do this without you. Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.