[0:02] - In the last three years, we've increased the amount [0:05] of people that we're serving by 140%. [0:08] In 2024, we saw 270,000 individuals come [0:12] through our doors needing help with food services. [0:14] Three years ago, we were only seeing about a hundred [0:16] thousand people walk through the doors. [0:19] We're seeing cuts to our TFAP program, [0:22] which is the free food program that Veep relies on [0:25] to provide food to the community. [0:27] We're also seeing cuts to housing programs [0:30] and housing stability services and rental assistance. [0:34] Now we're seeing that SNAP and Medicaid is at risk, [0:36] and we are really fearful that all [0:39] of the food shelves just really don't have the capacity [0:41] to meet that need. [0:42] The shelves are a lot emptier than they have been [0:45] in past years. [0:46] The people that come through our doors are people just like [0:50] the rest of you in the community. [0:52] They're working families, they're your grandparents, [0:55] they're your children [0:57] who are maybe experiencing a financial crisis in the moment [1:00] and just really need that little extra boost [1:02] to help get them over that hump. [1:04] - So last year, my husband at 41 years old, we found out [1:08] that he was in heart failure. [1:11] So sorry. [1:15] So he had to have open heart surgery in November. [1:18] So we went from like a two income family [1:19] to a one income family. [1:20] Even though I have a decent job, I am a social worker. [1:24] - I think when we're serving people food, we need [1:27] to be appreciative of the much broader story [1:31] that they're coming in with [1:32] and be compassionate and affirming. [1:34] - My husband's finally able to start giving back to work, [1:36] but we're still behind [1:38] how we'll be utilizing the services here as long [1:40] as I need them, you know, and I'm glad [1:42] that they're here as a resource. [1:43] - VEAP is working hard to meet with legislators [1:46] and talk about the need [1:48] and really press for additional help. [1:50] We're also looking to help for the community. [1:53] So donations, financial and food donations are great. [1:57] - There's a variety of volunteer activities you can do, [1:59] and that's a real positive experience. [2:01] - Very, very important to have in the community [2:03] because you never know when you're gonna be in a [2:05] situation like this. [2:06] - Thank you to our community for really being there [2:09] for our members that really need it the most. [2:11] The city of Bloomington has been amazing, [2:13] and so has the residents of the city of Bloomington. [2:17] So I just wanna say thank you to.