SHIM: The Nonprofit Fighting to End a Hidden Suburban Hunger Epidemic

Episode 3: Food insecurity in the suburbs can be very difficult to spot.

Luckily, there’s a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit working hard to address this issue and support its community. Meet the South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM), an organization whose sole mission is to fight the unprecedented new levels of suburban poverty.

I’m joined today by their development and communications manager, Rachel White. Rachel, a former professional violinist, discovered her passion for this work after her first volunteering experience and decided to dedicate her life to it. Now, she works full-time at SHIM.

Tune in as we explore the hidden issues in suburban areas, the incredible power of community, and how neighbors can help neighbors!

Key Takeaways:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:57 Rachel’s background and her work for SHIM

• 06:37 Rachel’s helping style

• 07:19 SHIM’s programs and services

• 13:06 How SHIM got into helping immigrants

• 14:59 Utilizing different helping styles

• 18:24 Why people choose to volunteer

• 26:56 How to make the most of donations

• 29:30 Empty shelf season

• 31:39 How to get involved

• 32:52 Being seen

• 37:19 Outro

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Learn more about SHIM’s mission and get involved:

👉 Website: https://shimcares.org/

👉 Fighting hunger: https://shimcares.org/hunger/

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At the goodness game, we believe that kindness isn’t complicated—it’s contagious. Through simple, actionable steps, we empower individuals, families, and organizations to create positive ripple effects in their communities and beyond.

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