Jessica has a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, but she gives back to the Valley Food Bank by volunteering on its busier days. Jessie, as family and friends call her, is a single mother who struggles with chronic back pain and severe depression, lives in a subsidized housing complex and is on disability. She comes each month after her food stamps run out to get fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and bread from the pantry to feed her family, which she says can last her a week. As a longer-term food pantry client, she has told others about the pantry. “There is help available for people, if they want the help,” she said.

Jessie loves to help sort the Trader Joe’s donation—some items require counting, while others are weighed. She can work at her pace, taking breaks when needed to rest her back. Jessie has a great sense of humor and can often be found sharing a funny story. Thanks Jessie for your help!

At age 19, Alisa was a high school dropout and a mom to two children. She worked two minimum-wage jobs to keep her family afloat. “It felt impossible to get ahead,” Alisa said.

“I knew this was no way to live, but what was I going to do?” she added. “I wanted a better future for my children, but I didn’t know anyone who could help me.” Then Alisa discovered the food pantry.

With the assistance from the pantry, and seeing others who were struggling, she was encouraged that life could be better. It was not easy because her pride was usually the deterrent to getting assistance. Because of the pantry resources, Alisa and her family no longer had to be concerned with going without eating. She joined the church and received counseling for her finances and parenting. Others came along side Alisa and her family, providing much needed encouragement.

“I want my children to have every opportunity that I did not have,” Alisa said. “I want them to grow up knowing there are good people out there willing to help them in times of need.

Most pregnant and parenting teens don’t have the support I had, and they rarely grow up and complete their education, especially after having two children before high school graduation. Looking back, I realize how very fortunate I was.

“My challenge was I didn’t know who I wanted to be before the pregnancy, and it took me a long time to figure it out. People always told me I was a leader, but no one showed me how to lead. When a young girl becomes pregnant, the adults in the community always say, ‘It’s no longer about you.’ I understand the intent of the message, but the connotation is that I no longer matter. My dreams can only be about providing for my baby.

Successfully navigating my life and the lives of my children was all about me. With the help of my family, pantry community, and church friends, I am now in a good place. Thank you!”