The phrase, “In these uncertain times,” is thrown around all too often right now, mainly by corporations who want to assure you that spending money with them can return you to a sense of normalcy. But in these uncertain times, we could stand to see something positive.

Loyal Scaiaholics will recall how busy food banks have been during the pandemic. Many food pantries have seen demand double and triple this year.

I bring all this up because you know who’s a constant in these uncertain times? Dirk Nowitzki. Let me explain.

Today, Dirk joined volunteers with the North Texas Food Bank at a mobile pantry at the Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center in South Dallas.

Dirk was not there just for a photo op, either. He was there working, loading boxes into cars throughout the mobile pantry. He came over to talk to reporters for a few minutes, then he went back to the line of cars.

When I’ve covered mega pantries, someone will occasionally respond to a tweet with some variation of, “Oh, look at that BMW. It’s not like they need food!”

The head of the basketball center said they had already started serving meals for kids nearby who weren’t getting meals at school, and she’s heard the same comments. She and the food banks say that highlights their concern about demand: Many people who are coming to them now have never needed help before.

“Oh, this mobile pantry is prime space for microphone shovin’!” I exclaimed to people who hadn’t asked.

I wandered up to a car while Dirk was busy loading boxes into the trunk and talked to the mom who was driving. The first thing that struck her is that Dirk is very tall.

The first thing that struck me is her child didn’t seem to care for the experience.

The Mark Cuban Center has also started a garden project.

The project aims to teach kids to how to grow fruits and vegetables [this gal, for example, was growing some carrots. Dirk asked for some tips]. They’ll also help kids learn how to grow herbs like basil, rosemary and parsley.

Dirk talked about the importance of learning what, exactly, basil and rosemary are and potential uses for parsley other than garnish on the side of your plate.

I should point out, and I swear I’m not making this up, I’m writing about Dirk’s commitment to nutrition and helping kids eat right while I’m eating a bowl of mac and cheese.

Dirk and the folks at the Cuban Center said they wanted to play whatever role they could in helping people through the pandemic. You know who wasn’t there providing food and teaching kids about nutrition? 2011 NBA title runner-up Lebron James.