Judy is a generous and resourceful neighbor who finds meaningful ways to care for her community through food. She has been receiving food boxes through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) since 2022, and they’ve become an essential part of how she cares for herself and others. CSFP works to improve the health of income-eligible older adults by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA foods – enough food to create 25 meals each month.
“It’s a godsend to be able to receive this food,” she shared. “Especially with how expensive food is nowadays.”
Judy lives with diabetes and appreciates the fresh fruits and vegetables she receives. With rising grocery costs and reduced food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), making ends meet has become difficult. Still, she has learned to get creative in the kitchen and stretch what she has.
“If there’s something I can’t use, I’m not going to let it go to waste,” Judy said. “There’s not much I can do, but cooking for other people is what I enjoy.”
Judy often shares extra food with her 80-year-old neighbor and regularly cooks for others nearby. Even as she faces her own challenges, including navigating daily life in a wheelchair, she continues to show up for her community in the ways she can.
“It helps all of us tremendously,” she said. “It is such a blessing to have.”
Thank you to community members and Foodbank supporters for caring for neighbors like Judy.
Stories of Hope