How Josie’s Life Changed Thanks to this Food Pantry

Josie started her journey as a 300+ pound drug user with diabetes. Thanks to this food pantry, her life has changed.

While food is seen as a simple form of sustenance, the role it plays in our everyday lives is so much bigger. Food does provide sustenance, however, our food choices determine our health and wellbeing, both long and short term.

A smiling older woman with short gray hair and tattoos on her arms stands before a plain, light-colored background. Clad in a bright blue sleeveless shirt, she exudes warmth and confidence, embodying a door of hope for those who see beyond the surface. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is dedicated to providing food assistance to our neighbors who need it most in LA County. However, the Food Bank does not just provide any items; 97% of the food items distributed by the Food Bank are considered nutritious.

Twenty years ago, Josie was homeless. She was going through tough times, abusing alcohol and drugs. She weighed over 300 pounds and was diabetic, had high blood pressure, the works.

Then one day she walked by Door of Hope Ministries, a Food Bank partner agency for over 25 years, and started talking to Pastor Shirley Melendez. Melendez assured her that if she went over to Door of Hope every day, her life would change. And so she did.

Slowly, Josie’s life started to change. She received nutritious food for sustenance and guidance for her mind. Josie was offered a job shortly after, starting as an apprentice and moving her way up to manager, getting herself an apartment, and changing her life. She no longer weighs more than 300 pounds, nor uses drugs, or has diabetes, all thanks to a little help from our partners at Door of Hope.

While Josie’s life has changed, she occasionally finds herself back at Door of Hope, looking to receive supplemental food assistance to help her get through the month. While she receives CalFresh benefits, sometimes, they are simply not enough to cover everything.

Individuals like Josie can be found all around Los Angeles County. They will have full-time employment and housing, but the high living costs can make it impossible to put food on the table consistently. If you are in a position to do so, consider donating to the Food Bank.