Stories of Hunger

Alma

Alma is adept at juggling many things at once. 

In her left arm, supported by her hip, is 9-month-old Oliver. With her right arm, she’s pushing a cart through one of our partner pantries, picking up some food for her family.

At home, she’s caring for Oliver’s 4-year-old brother, while also a) taking an online course to improve her English, and b) studying for her real-estate license.

She’s rocking a T-shirt that reads, “Life is better with boys,” and she would know: She’s got three of them, including her husband. But feeding all those guys got a little more difficult recently when her husband’s hours were cut back on his job.

Alma comes to the pantry twice a month to supplement what she buys at the grocery store — which isn’t much these days.

“I can’t go to the grocery store and come out for less than $50 for two bags,” she says. “You used to be able to buy so much more.”

She particularly appreciates that she can pick up typically more pricey items — like milk and formula — at the pantry without putting a crimp in the budget. “Those things are so expensive,” she says. “This is helping our family so much.”

Alma says that before her husband’s reduced hours, her family didn’t need the pantry. But now, they need it, and she’s grateful.

“Thank you,” she says. “You’re helping me, and giving me the opportunity to spend time with my baby. And here at the pantry, they make you feel welcome.”