We Stood Up
Stories of Solidarity. Strategies for Action.
NPQ Logo
** Standing Up for Food Justice in a Time of Fear: Pandemic Reflections
------------------------------------------------------------
December 4, 2025
Welcome back to We Stood Up!
In today’s issue, Chase Louden remembers how his food pantry responded in the early days of the pandemic—and how communities continue to stand up for food justice during times of crisis.
Do you have a story to tell about building a better workplace? Share it with us here ([link removed]) !
Standing Up for Food Justice in a Time of Fear: Pandemic Reflections
By Chase Louden
The COVID-19 pandemic may seem like ancient history to some, but the effects of the pandemic linger. In this contribution, Chase Louden recalls a time of mass hunger ([link removed]) —and a time when a third of all US food pantries ([link removed]) shut their doors. Yet volunteers in Brooklyn stood up and made a different decision—to stay open and expand operations.
What does it mean to stand up for justice?
Starting in 2018, I volunteered at Los Sures Comida—located in the Williamsburg neighborhood, a heavily Puerto Rican section of Brooklyn. It was a growing operation, distributing food to about 600 community members once a month.
At the start of the pandemic, the authorities were clear: “Stay home, limit face-to-face contact, and maintain at least six feet of distance at all times.” There was a part of me, certainly, that wanted to obey these instructions to protect my loved ones and myself.
But volunteering at a food pantry meant doing the exact opposite. It required going outside of our homes, having regular face-to-face contact, and maintaining far less than six feet of distance with the people to whom we were distributing food. Many pantries were closing. As volunteers, many of us did have a choice, and we could have stayed home. But we decided to put ourselves on the line and stay open.
Continue Reading ([link removed])
Sponsored Content
Strengthening communities takes balance. ([link removed])
With one of the leading nonprofit practices in the country, CLA can help you develop a mission-driven strategy that strengthens your organization and community.
Learn More ([link removed])
** Latest Articles
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]
A Community Land Trust Movement Rises in New York City: Leadership Lessons
by Deyanira Del Rio and Debra Ack
How can housing and land justice be achieved in New York City? A community land ownership movement is gaining strength—and making a difference.
Read Article ([link removed])
[link removed]
How Worksite Outreach Can Protect Immigrants
by Victor Sánchez
Information is key to keeping immigrant families together. In the face of ICE raids, Los Angeles nonprofits and businesses came together to support immigrant communities.
Read Article ([link removed])
[link removed]
How to Keep an Anti-Profiteering Law from Undermining Civil Rights Today
by James Lomastro
The False Claims Act, passed during the administration of Abraham Lincoln to limit profiteering, is today being weaponized to limit nonprofits. Here’s how to respond.
Read Article ([link removed])
[link removed]
Living Within the Fight: A Conversation with Jara Butler
by Rebekah Barber and Jara Butler
Political strategist Jara Butler reflects on Black women leaders in the South who have inspired her to think about freedom as a goal—one that with appropriate focus, strategy, and tactics can be realized in community.
Read Article ([link removed])
Sponsored Content
Financial Solutions for Mission-Driven Teams ([link removed])
For 35 years, JMT Consulting has supported nonprofits with leading financial solutions and expert guidance, delivering smarter reporting, stronger compliance, and clarity to drive mission impact.
Learn More Today ([link removed])
** Check out our upcoming webinars.
------------------------------------------------------------
**
------------------------------------------------------------
As a Leading Edge member, you get exclusive access to all our upcoming webinars—deep dives into the issues that matter, led by movement leaders and experts.
[link removed]
[link removed]
Become a Member ([link removed])
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
Sponsored Content
Lead with purpose in 2026. ([link removed])
Step into 2026 ready to make an impact. Programs start in January, offered in both in-person and live virtual formats. Explore our upcoming offerings.
Register today. ([link removed])
We Stood Up spotlights the first-person stories from workers, builders, activists, and organizers sharing moments from their work and world, offering inspirational narratives and strategic insights that reinforce community solidarity we need to keep pushing toward a just and equitable future. Do you have a story to tell? Share it with us here ([link removed]) !
Copyright (C) 2025. All rights reserved.
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed])
