It’s been said that desperate times call for desperate measures. Crystal knows that all too well.
“We went fishing a few weeks ago just so we could have some meat,” she explains.
Crystal says their family of six was comfortable before the pandemic hit. “There were times we had to rob Peter to pay Paul, but nothing like what we’ve had to do this year,” she says.
2020 took the wind out of their sails. Her husband’s construction job took a big hit. At first there were no hours, then there were some. Now, the hours are inconsistent from week to week and overtime does not exist. At first, they sold some extra furniture to make ends meet. Then, they pawned their television and other electronics to pay for groceries. Finally, Crystal started searching on the internet for free food, which led her to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
Second Harvest’s Food Finder gave Crystal the opportunity to search for food pantries near her home. She was able to see the days and times of upcoming food distributions. Most importantly, she felt assured that there people in her community ready to help her and her family. At the pantry, Crystal received a variety of food, including milk, eggs, fresh produce, pantry staples and even a few treats for the kids.
“We struggled for months to pay bills and feed our four kids,” says Crystal. “Now I tell all of our neighbors that there is no reason to be hungry because Second Harvest is showing so much compassion and kindness to our community.”
Thanks to the generosity of our caring community, Second Harvest is able to provide 300,000 meals a day across the six-county service area to families like Crystal’s – double the daily meal distribution before the pandemic hit.
“It may seem like a small thing to give someone a box of groceries, but it’s not. Food like this brings happiness and joy back into my home and that is priceless.”
Every act of generosity matters.
$10 can provide 40 meals to families like Crystal’s.
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