Food for Hope: John Van Hengel, Unsung Hero

Laurie J. Schmitt reviews a picture book about the man who lived out the Corporal Works of Mercy and opened the very first food bank.

Our modern world has become so industrialized and institutionalized, so focused on production and profit, that we can lose sight of people and their basic human needs. Food for Hope by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated by Michelle Laurentia Agatha, is a true story of a man who bridged the gap between these extremes.

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Food for Hope, a children's picture book, shares the life of one of America’s unsung heroes. John Van Hengel, born in Wisconsin in 1923, lived a successful and promising life, but over the years, all of this fell by the wayside. He endured personal loss and physical suffering. John’s poverty and hunger led him to a soup kitchen where he helped serve meals, and was encouraged by his friend, Fr. Ronald, to do what he could to help provide food for the hungry.

John, following the lead of a woman he met, came to learn of the great amount of edible food tossed by restaurants, supermarkets and various food industries. Asking permission from these businesses, John collected the discards that weren't saleable because of slightly damaged packaging such as dented cans, torn labels, or crushed boxes. These goods were collected and made available to the poor and hungry through his newly founded “food bank,” the first of its kind.

John’s own hunger inspired him to provide food for others in need, but Food for Hope is more than a story of social justice in action. It is a story of a man with a purpose: to feed the hungry, just one meal, just for one day, just in his local area. He had no way of knowing that his original mission would have a worldwide influence, spreading throughout the United States into Canada, European nations, and beyond.

John responded to God’s grace with his practical solution and hard work. Throughout his life, he maintained a personal vow of poverty. His conviction inspired others around him, and his handful of volunteers grew into a team of people working for the same purpose. Did they realize that the “little” bit of themselves, of their time that they offered would have such a huge effect on their local community? Did they realize how this would impact the world?

Food for Hope is an excellent book for children, especially because it highlights how one life can influence so many. Young readers will learn from this man’s example, his dedication, and his courage in overcoming personal hardship. The simple and cheery illustrations enhance the theme, bringing the young readers visual descriptions that reinforce the scenes. Food for Hope teaches the importance of corporal works of mercy, and how easy it is for people to get involved locally. You don’t have to look very far to see how you can make the world a little bit better. God blesses good deeds.

How are we called to give? Where shall we serve? What will we share? Let’s begin in our own homes, in our parishes and local communities. Food For Hope encourages every one of us to find a charitable organization to donate our unused clothes, household goods, and other things to someone who would appreciate them. Support your local food bank and help to feed the hungry in your area. Christ-centered acts of spiritual and corporal works of mercy share the Gospel truth with the world.

Ask for Food for Hope at your local Catholic bookseller, or preorder online from Amazon.com. The book releases May 2, 2023.

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