As reported to a United Food Bank Staffer, Ella is a single mother of 5 children ages 10 and under.  She found herself suddenly single, with no support from the father of her children.  With only a high school education, Ella was working 2 jobs to support her family.  Ella’s children were identified by teachers at their Title 1 Elementary school (name withheld to protect the privacy of the children) as being food insecure and were recommended for participation in the backpack program.  Ella’s children received backpack buddy bags of food that would feed her children on the weekends when free school breakfast and lunch programs were not available.  Additionally, Ella received food boxes from United Food Bank’s Helping Hands distribution.

With the help of these additional food resources, knowing her children would have food to eat, Ella was able to quit one job and concentrate on obtaining her degree in business.  She has started her own business and it is quickly growing and helping to get Ella on a path to financial and food stability.  Without the food she received from United Food Bank, Ella told us, “I don’t know what I would have done.”

Did You Know?

One in four children in Arizona struggles with food insecurity. In United Food Bank’s service area, that means 92,693 children do not know where their next meal is coming from. You can make a difference! Every $1 donated can provide FIVE MEALS for families in need. Click on the Give Now button below for more information on how you can make a difference.