From Pantry Guest to Volunteer: Maria's Story

Maria walked into the pantry on a Tuesday in February, holding her son's hand and a piece of paper with our address. Her husband had been laid off. The savings were nearly gone. She had never asked for help with food before.

She was met at the door by a volunteer who offered her a coffee and walked her through the shopping area. She left with a cart full of groceries, a list of other resources, and a sense that she had been treated like family rather than a case.

A year later, Maria's husband was back at work, and the family was on solid ground. One Tuesday morning, she showed up at the pantry in work clothes and asked how she could help. She has been unloading the food rescue truck every Tuesday since.

Maria's story is not unusual. Many of our most committed volunteers first came to the pantry as guests. We believe that is exactly how a community is supposed to work.