At this point last year, we were providing groceries for 500 families each week and we couldn’t believe how large our Food Pantry program had become during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, we’re providing groceries for 1,000 families each week.
The growth our emergency food programs have experienced over the past year is astronomical. But because of our generous community of donors, volunteers, and supporters, we are able to meet the needs of each family that visits us. This month, we spoke with Crystal and Jaden, a mother and son who have been visiting our food pantry since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. For families like Crystal and Jaden, the generosity of our supporters helps keep food on the table.
When we asked how they’ve been impacted by rising prices at the grocery store, Crystal said, “They are gouging. I used to come here once a month to supplement our groceries. Now, I’m coming here every week for food.”
But thanks to our volunteers and donors, Crystal and Jaden have a safety net. Without it, they wouldn’t be able to afford produce, like plantains, at the grocery story. When we asked Jaden what his favorite thing his mom cooks is, he said ‘chicken!’ enthusiastically.
At Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, we are visited by many families just like Crystal and Jaden. As we reach a new milestone of providing groceries for over 1,000 families each week, we are so thankful for our supporters that help us provide essential services to every family that walks through our doors.
