Life was moving along at a steady pace for Larry Tombaugh. He retired from his position as Dean of the College of Natural Resources at NC State University in 2001. Five years ago, he lost his beloved wife Nancy, but his two sons and two grandchildren, volunteer work, and a pretty busy fishing schedule kept life active and meaningful. That was, until Christmas Day 2020.
On that day, Larry found himself sitting alone with his golden retriever, Riley—feeling lonely and sorry for himself, until he had an epiphany. “Wait! I wasn’t about to be evicted. I didn’t have to worry about having enough food to eat. I didn’t have problems with my health. I really didn’t have any of the terrible problems that so many others do. So, why was I feeling so sorry for myself?” said Larry, recalling the day. His response to this realization was to do what he could to help those who were in need. Christmas was on a Friday, so on Monday—as soon as they opened for business again—Larry drove to Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and presented them with a check for $1,000. “I wanted to be a part of ensuring that people have adequate resources for their needs. This was the best way I could see to do just that.”
Since that initial gift, Larry Tombaugh has become a monthly donor to the Food Shuttle. He says that being a sustaining donor is “easier and painless” and that it’s better for the organization because it ensures that the means will be there to provide for the programs feeding neighbors, teaching strategies for self-sufficiency, and growing healthy food to end food insecurity.
When asked what he would tell others about the importance of being a Food Shuttle supporter, Larry says that it is “meaningful to play a role in combatting the dreadful problem of not having enough food for one’s children and oneself. In a way, it’s selfish because it makes you feel good to help. But it’s important to know you’re making a difference like this in the lives of others.”