Facebook Pixel - PageView Event

You’re helping feed my children when the refrigerator is empty

You’re helping feed my children when the refrigerator is empty

My name is Norma, and I’m a single mother. Since I’ve been coming to this food pantry, my family hasn’t run out of food—but it hasn’t always been like that. Before we came here, I would run out of food stamps by the middle of the month. There would be days when we didn’t have anything. Sometimes it was a can of beans and some bread just to put something in their stomachs. School vacations are the hardest time of year because my kids get meals at school. In the summer, trying to provide three meals a day and snacks—sometimes it felt like I was drowning. It was a lot of pressure. I used to work nights at a factory, but when my husband left, I couldn’t afford the child care. I lost my job, and we ended up homeless, living in a shelter. Now we’ve found a home for all of us. I’m back at school working to get into a nursing program, but we struggle financially.

The food has changed our lives

The food we get here makes a big difference. It means I can stretch my food stamps to last me through the month and still make meals. We get fruits and vegetables, so we’re eating healthier. My kids are excited when I come here because they know the refrigerator will be full again. They may be skinny, but they eat a lot!

Before coming to the food pantry, Norma struggled to feed her children.

When your child opens the refrigerator and they don’t see anything, it’s depressing. They try not to show you, but you can see the sadness in their eyes, the hurt.

It helps them emotionally to see their refrigerator full of food. They go to school with a better attitude, and they’re more positive. I want to say thank you to the people who support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank because it’s really stressful not to know if you’re going to be able to provide for your family. I’m very grateful for your generosity, for my family and everybody else who comes here. I’m sure you’re changing a lot of lives in the same way you’ve changed mine.

More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank

Scott and Lisa Nelson: Making a Difference in LA Through Volunteering and Generous Support

Scott and Lisa Nelson embody the spirit of giving through their financial support and hands-on volunteering for the Food Bank and its partner agencies.

Los Angeles Clippers Join the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to Provide Food Assistance

The Los Angeles Clippers demonstrated an incredible commitment at the annual Feed the Community event and a dedicated volunteer day at the Food Bank.

Supporting the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank through IRA Donations: The Inspiring Story of Scott and Lisa Nelson

Scott and Lisa Nelson are dedicated supporters of the Food Bank and our partners, donating both their time and financial resources to fight hunger.

Chase Griffin, UCLA Quarterback, An Exemplary Leader Both On and Off the Field

Griffin, an NIL athlete, has found a way to give back and fight hunger while being a college student-athlete

Stay Connected

Sign up for the latest in our fight against hunger.