Wearing Gratitude: Brenda’s Experience with United Food Bank
“Thank you so much for talking to me today and for the wonderful Grinch pin. I’m going to wear it all day and on Christmas when I go to California in a few days,” shares Brenda, who stopped by United Food Bank’s second Holiday Distribution back in December. She had a chance to catch up with familiar faces from United Food Bank, having met them during the big distribution in November.
Brenda and her husband both work, yet making ends meet remains an ongoing challenge. United Food Bank’s Thanksgiving and Christmas distributions became an opportunity for Brenda to take a chip off her shoulder, helping provide not only special meals for the holidays but also a sense of community support during the season.
For Brenda, the decision to seek help was not easy. Having volunteered at other food banks before, she understood the stigma associated with asking for assistance. However, the welcoming environment at the United Food Bank eased her apprehensions and allowed her to embrace the support available.
The significance of food assistance goes beyond temporary relief from hunger. Brenda expressed how the aid provided by the United Food Bank allowed her family to allocate their limited resources to crucial expenses like rent and gas. This, in turn, contributes to their overall financial stability.
Brenda’s story is not isolated; it resonates with the experiences of many who have benefited from the United Food Bank’s programs. With much of the population being one paycheck away from being unable to afford their next meal, United Food Bank’s commitment to providing food for today and food for tomorrow aims to change the narrative around receiving a little help to get back on your feet.
“It is so nice that there’s this wonderful help for the community,” she mentions as she admires her new pin. Her intention to wear it proudly and throughout the Christmas season reflects the emotional connection formed through this support. Moreover, Brenda’s commitment to volunteer in the future underscores the ripple effect of community assistance. United Food Bank not only addresses the immediate need for food during these annual distributions but also creates a sense of camaraderie and compassion within the community.
For more information on necessary resources available in your community, check out https://www.unitedfoodbank.org/get-help/resources-for-you/.
Written by KC Raguay
