Amy’s Story of Community and Resilience
Amy, an early preschool teacher, navigates the delicate balance of nurturing young minds while managing her own challenges. Driven more by passion than pay in her teaching career, Amy often struggles to afford nutritious food. “I’m an early pre-school teacher and I am living single. I’m getting by with what I can,” Amy shares, her voice reflecting both resilience and the strain of making ends meet on a modest income.
For Amy, her local food pantry has become a source of hope and a vital resource for her family. ” I make $17.50 at my job, I don’t always have a whole lot of money to go to the store and get the foods I need, and what not. So I struggle. That’s why I’m here,” she explains.
Because of your support, Marion Polk Food Share provides Amy with choices that would otherwise be unattainable. “You come in and there’s options, things I wouldn’t be able to get at the store,” Amy notes, appreciating the variety of fresh produce, meats, and fruits available. This access is critical for her, especially following unexpected challenges. “At the end of April I had emergency surgery and JR (a volunteer at the pantry) showed up in the emergency room. They helped me with a gift card to WinCo to get groceries,” she said, overwhelmed by the unexpected generosity.
Image Caption: JR and Amy sharing a laugh outside a food pantry
Without this network of support, Amy’s struggles would be far more challenging. “Without them I would struggle. It’s meant everything to me,” she states unequivocally. The pantry not only nourishes her body but also her spirit, providing a break from the stress. “It’s helping me. I am not crying at home, trying to figure out how I am going to get this or get that,” she explains, her voice filled with gratitude.
Amy’s story is a powerful reminder of the essential role that community support plays in the lives of individuals in our neighborhoods. By supporting hunger relief programs, you help ensure that educators like Amy, who give so much of themselves, receive the sustenance they need to continue their important work.
Marion Polk Food Share would like to thank American Ballet Academy, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, The Campbell Soup Foundation, Capitol Auto Group, Goodwill Industries of the Columbia-Willamette Valley, Jeremy A. Dumanovsky Construction, Inc., Power Mazda Kia Nissan Buick GMC, The H Group, Inc., Withers Lumber and community members like you for generously supporting our neighbors.
