Navigating Life’s Highways
Brant’s aging Ford Ranger symbolizes the financial pressures many face, as rising maintenance costs stretch household budgets thin.
“I’m so pushed financially trying to pay back the truck,” Brant says, highlighting the ripple effects of maintaining an older vehicle on a fixed income. According to a 2023 report by the AAA, a vehicle owner driving 10,000 miles a year can expect to pay $5,895 in annual costs. This includes insurance, maintenance, gas, and repairs, which have all become more expensive recently.
With his truck no longer driveable, Brant faces increased difficulty in meeting basic needs. “I go to [Capital Park Church Pantry], mainly because I don’t have a ride, but some friends live close,” Brant says.
Brant often has to choose between fixing his car and buying food. “The money I would have been spending on food now has to go to my debt,” he mentions. Every decision has dire implications to his budget, “I can’t afford to make a mistake, I can only spend $16 today since one small mistake could mean not having enough for next week’s groceries.”
Despite these challenges, Brant finds hope through his local food pantry and the friends he’s made there. He talks warmly about Barb, a long-term volunteer at the Capital Park Church Pantry. “I love Barb and her family. I spent the holidays with her,” showing how deep these friendships go.
Marion Polk Food Share and the Capital Park Church Pantry offer more than just food—they provide a space for emotional and social nourishment as well. “The food nourishes you, but then the [pantry] nourishes a different part of you,” Brant reflects, appreciating the connections made at the food pantry. “It’s good for my mental health to have those interactions,” he notes, highlighting how important these interactions are for his well-being.
Brant remains positive despite these difficulties. “You get knocked down, you get up. You flip it and say, “What’s the good in this?” His outlook is uplifting.
Recently, he got some good news from his doctor about his health, “my doctor said my wound healing has improved. That’s great news!” he happily shares.
This improvement in his health is a direct result of your support and the nutritious meals provided by meals provided by Capital Park Pantry. It shows how essential your generosity is to the well-being of neighbors like Brant.
