Janice and Marissa are engaged and excited to start their lives together, but they have recently been having a rough time.
Marissa is only able to work part-time hours at her job and it’s not enough to make ends meet. Her salary only covers rent and nothing else, even food.
In addition to worrying about whether she will have something to eat, Marissa has to worry about if her fiancée, Janice, will have a good day.
A good day for the couple means Janice can walk without pain.
Janice is disabled and not being able to provide has been hard on her. She is used to being the breadwinner, but her disability makes it difficult to keep a job. She has a genetic disease that makes it hard to walk, stand or do anything.
“Even laying down I’m in enough pain that I can’t think clear enough to have a decent conversation with somebody,” Janice said.
Since she’s constantly in pain, she has to take time off regulary and it’s hard for her to complete essential job functions. In the end, she ends up losing her job.
Without a steady income, she relies on community programs to help with expenses.
The couple found out about the Food Bank’s Partner Agencies through Marissa’s dad, who also receives help from the Food Bank.
“Most of the time I don’t have enough money for food, so coming to the pantry is a massive life saver, literally,” Marissa said.
Due to Janice’s medical condition, she is on a strict vegan diet. Unfortunately, she is unable to afford the fresh produce she needs to maintain her health. Thanks to the Food Bank she can have a balanced diet.
“I’m supposed to be eating vegan, gluten free,” Janice said. “These food banks are a great option for that, because it gives me exactly what I need to be able to meet that dietary expectation.”
After learning about the Food Bank’s Fresh Food for Families (FFFF) program, where only produce is distributed, they were excited to go through the distribution line for the first time.They received potatoes, zucchini, carrots, cabbage and more produce.
“I love the vegetables,” Janice said.
“Everything’s very fresh. Which is great,” Marissa said.
It was more than a good day for Janice and Marissa. It was a great day. Thanks to the Food Bank, they were able to get the fresh produce they needed to stay healthy, especially Janice.
“If it weren’t for the food pantries, I would be in a much worse situation. I would be very hungry, and my health would be a lot worse,” Janice said. “Thank you so much for making Austin a better place, and making it so that I can take care of my health properly.”
During Amplify Austin, our goal is to raise enough funds to provide fresh produce to 4,500 families of four for a month. With your help, we can ensure families, like Janice and Marissa’s, have fruits and vegetables they would otherwise not have. Your support during Amplify Austin ensures families in need have fresh produce to reach their full potential.
Make your donation now!
