Should they have to rely on a Food Pantry?

Imagine you are a single mom of two teenagers and a special needs 5 year old working full time at a top rate child care facility. You try so hard to get by on your own but your supervisor sees you struggling and arranges for a food delivery from the Pantry even after you tell them “no” multiple times. What a gift you tried so hard to refuse. What a difference it makes for your family.

Imagine you are the mother of three adult children and an ex-husband who rely on you for support when they are struggling. You work full time but still don’t have enough to buy food for these adults and children who rely on you. So after your second shift job ends you come to the Pantry for the help you need.

Imagine you are a senior citizen who lives in low-income affordable housing. But even with the reduced housing costs, your limited income doesn’t stretch far enough for the food you need. You come to the Pantry for food but always take time to check in with the Pantry staff because you know they are also overwhelmed by things. And you tell them you are praying for them.

Imagine you are a forty-something person who finally got their GED and now has a full time job. But your salary is above the threshold for SNAP eligibility and you lose all your SNAP benefits and you come back to the Pantry for food.

Imagine you are a person who made a mistake – yes, a bad mistake but still a mistake – and went to jail convicted of a felony. You’re out on parole now and working hard to find a job but nobody will give you a chance because of your record. You come to the Pantry for food and for the encouragement of the volunteers and staff you have come to know.

These are real people who shop our Pantry. These and so many others with their own stories rely on us to help them get by. Should they have to rely on a Pantry for basic needs? I would say no. With living wages, affordable housing and modest government support, these people could get by on their own. Until those things happen, 1500 families do rely on us every month.

These stories remind us that behind every bag of groceries is a life filled with quiet courage — and a community that chooses to care.
Your generosity can help ease the burden for neighbors facing tough times.

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