A compassionate reflection on generosity and self-care in hard times

A few weeks ago, I found myself thinking about my maternal grandfather — a man with a larger-than-life laugh, a hardworking farmer, sometimes mischievous, sometimes stern — but always generous. He was fond of saying, “chi ha poco, da molto” — those who have little, give much.

That lesson was born from his own life as an Italian immigrant raising a large family through the lean years of the Great Depression and World War II. He knew what it meant to stretch every resource — and still find ways to give.

Then, just last week, a coworker shared stories about the people she serves — individuals reaching into their threadbare pantries to find food to give to others. In that moment, I could almost hear my grandfather’s voice echo through time: “chi ha poco, da molto.” Maybe it was coincidence… but I like to think it was serendipity — a gentle reminder that generosity often shines brightest in times of scarcity.

Right now, as we witness the effects of the SNAP benefit freeze and the growing strain it places on the people we serve, many of us are feeling that same pull — wanting to do more, to fix more, to ease others’ burdens. As human service workers, we often stand at the intersection of generosity and need. We coordinate resources, comfort those in crisis, and carry the stories of hardship we encounter every day.

That weight can feel heavy. It’s natural to feel frustrated, sad, or even guilty that we can’t do more. But those feelings come from the same deep compassion that makes this work meaningful. They remind us that we care — and caring deeply is both our strength and our challenge.

So, let this be a gentle reminder: doing what you can is enough. Every small act of kindness matters — listening without judgment, helping someone navigate a system, or simply offering presence and empathy. Systemic challenges like the SNAP freeze are larger than any one of us, but together, our small, steady acts create stability and hope in the spaces we touch.

Everyone is working so hard right now. Please remember to take time to rest, to eat, to breathe, and to lean into your own support network. This isn’t indulgence — it’s what allows us to keep showing up with authenticity and compassion. When you feel your emotional or physical energy dipping, pause and check in with yourself. Acknowledge the weight you’re carrying, and do something restorative — even small moments of care can replenish you.

And when you see the people you serve giving from their own scarcity — sharing what little they have — validate that. Recognize their deep compassion and resilience, and help them find ways to care for themselves, too. They, like us, are doing the best they can in uncertain times.

Chi ha poco, da molto. Those who have little, give much — and in that giving, we are all reminded of the extraordinary power of compassion, even when resources are few.