Beth O’Connor and her husband, Bill, are passionate supporters of Feeding America and its vision of an America where no one is hungry. Beth recalls reading about the extent of hunger in the United States and feeling compelled to help—1 in 7 people in America face hunger. “The need is huge, and no one can function well when they are hungry,” she said.
After giving for a decade, the O’Connors chose to include Feeding America as a beneficiary in their estate plan, recognizing the importance of supporting an organization that can immediately help people in need. Beth expressed admiration for Feeding America’s bold investments to achieve equitable food access for all, leveraging the power of the Feeding America network to secure and distribute more nourishing food to neighbors. "I've [also] been impressed with how quickly Feeding America mobilizes to areas hit by disaster."
Beth and Bill's commitment to end hunger goes beyond their financial support—they also volunteer at the Keystone Community Services Midway Food Shelf in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bill, a retired teacher, began volunteering with Keystone's Meals on Wheels program over 30 years ago. When Beth retired ten years ago, she was inspired to volunteer, too, helping to stock shelves, pack groceries and assisting neighbors in need during food distributions. The couple also deliver meals once a week to community members who are unable to get to the food shelf.
The O'Connors have seen firsthand how much Feeding America has made a difference in their community. Keystone can procure food at the most affordable price from Second Harvest Heartland (Brooklyn Park, MN), a partner food bank in the Feeding America network. Beth explained, "I see how much [the food shelf] can [obtain]...due to the work of Feeding America."
Beth's personal experience of facing food insecurity when she was attending St. Catherine University and living off-campus made her more determined to help others who might be in the same situation. "It was a humbling experience. I didn’t have a car, so I bought food at the 7-Eleven," she shared.
Beth and Bill recognize the impact of the Feeding America network to provide nutritious food to tens of millions of people and continue to be inspired to help. “We want to ensure that Feeding America can continue their good work after we are gone,” Beth said.
