I’ve struggled over this past year, and had to use our local food bank. I haven’t been in that situation since I was a young child, and was anticipating generic canned vegetables and off-brand oatmeal. While there has been that, there has miraculously also been: quart sized fresh plain yogurt, a small uncooked roaster chicken, a mixed 3lb bag of potatoes (sweet and russet), onions, a quart of milk, and a block of cheese.

Our food lines are pick up by vehicle, and they placed it in the car. I am thankful to God and these donation sites for ANY food at all given, but the fresh products made me feel human again — deserving, and I had to pull over to cry in my car. Food insecurity can make you feel incredibly undeserving and strip you of your humanity - to me, more than having a new coat or unworn shoes.

I am sooooo grateful to the funding happening right now, and to people who donate money specifically, so that these rarer food items can be purchased and distributed to those in need. It changes your entire mindset about how much longer you can keep yourself optimistic and positive for your family.