It’s a very warm day in August when we meet Natasha and her sweet and smiley daughter, Hannah. They had been sitting in their car for at least an hour, waiting in line to receive fresh produce and other food items at a drive-thru distribution.
“I have salad babies,” laughs Natasha, quietly. “They love lettuce!” Natasha’s also grateful for the other produce items she receives from the distribution. It helps her introduce new fruits and vegetables to her daughters. Sometimes, they’re lucky and they even receive pastries, apple juice and other treats, too.
Though it’s the only food distribution Natasha visits each month, it’s enough to help offset her grocery costs. Receiving fresh produce and other items there allows her to save on her grocery bill and pay for other necessary expenses.
Natasha and her husband met in college while studying in Oregon. They recently moved to the area to be closer to her mom after her father passed away. Though they both work full time in social services, making ends meet is challenging, especially with daycare costs for their two young girls. Natasha has considered leaving her job to stay home with them, but right now, that’s not an option.
And though her mom is nearby, since her father passed away, she too must continue to work full time, attempting to live on a single income.
The two women have become resourceful – freezing large quantities of foods they receive to help spread it further throughout the year and prevent food waste.
“This place is a huge blessing and helps us make ends meet, while also giving our kids great, fresh produce,” she said.
Thank you for supporting your Foodbank, our hunger-relief partners and families like Natasha’s.
Stories of Hope