By Michelle Book | President, Food Bank of Iowa

As a woman, and one who was a single mother for a number of years, I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by many young women today and the possibilities we have to provide assistance. As of late, I’ve been reflecting on the power women have to support one another and how sometimes opportunities to do so are lost in the commotion of life. 

Making time to volunteer or contribute can be overlooked or pushed to the back burner when one gets busy with work, family or a multitude of other crazy obligations. I’ve been guilty myself. But it is at just such times, life’s busiest times, when helping and empowering someone else provides me the strength and confidence to tackle my next big challenge. Year-end for a busy CEO can be chaotic, and so it was hard to tear myself away from the computer and my many spreadsheets to volunteer at our on-site pantry a couple weeks ago.  

There I met a woman who, while caring for her five children, boys ranging from newborn to 16 years old, waited patiently for her turn to shop in Food Bank of Iowa’s on-site food pantry. Her husband works in construction and she had a convenience store job before the baby came. Normally they get by, but now with a temporary cut in household income and the four older boys on summer break, the grocery bill was absolutely out of her reach. She needed a little boost up.
  
She’s not alone. Women across the nation are hit especially hard by life’s challenges, including food insecurity. In fact, single-women households account for the highest percentage of food insecure households in the United States — nearly 32 percent. From fueling a career to caring for children, food insecurity is an issue that impacts every aspect of a person’s life, but it isn’t the only issue keeping women from succeeding.  

You can help. Do you want to start small? Find organizations that support women and the attainment of their ambitions and contribute — whether it’s gently used professional apparel, funding for woman-owned businesses, your professional guidance and mentorship or basic health services for woman. Donate money, food, diapers or your time to your local food bank or food pantry to help women shift their focus from basic needs to bigger possibilities. 

On a larger scale, you can support policies and programs that help women get ahead. For food security, WIC (Women, Infants & Children) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) help women with lower incomes access healthy food to ensure their families thrive. Advocate for issues you care about with your lawmakers — whether it’s food insecurity, closing the wage gap, affordable housing, getting more women in leadership or something else entirely. Last but not least — vote. 

Supporting others does more than lift up the other person; it also provides a boost for those who provide the support. Research shows people who volunteer and give charitably often feel happier and healthier than those who do not. It’s called the Helper’s High and it only makes sense that the good feeling associated with an act of kindness lingers long past the physical act of giving money or time. Making sure the mother of five had groceries for the next week yielded a great sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

We have the power to create an incredible support system of women working to uplift other women across our state. Whether you start with hunger or another issue you care deeply about, please continue to look for opportunities to lift someone else up. Volunteer, mentor, advocate and be the woman you always wished was the one supporting you. And ride the high of helping others.