We met Cranston resident Jessica, a single mom to a sweet 5-year-old, on a recent visit to the Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) in Cranston. Jessica is disabled and knows her diet impacts her overall health. She eats primarily vegetarian, focusing on fruits and vegetables, beans, and protein pastas – most of which she can find at the pantry. Jessica makes sourdough bread and grows tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers. Leaning on the pantry and growing her own food is part of a conscious effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle for her and her daughter, despite financial challenges.
“Becoming disabled has impacted my world on multiple levels. But being able to come to the pantry without judgment is encouraging. This is my situation today, but it’s not indicative of tomorrow.”
Increases to Jessica’s property taxes and insurance have meant that her mortgage has gone up by $700 a month. And while she receives support through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, her SNAP benefits have been reduced by $70 a month in the latest round of changes to benefit eligibility. These financial pressures often force her to make difficult choices between essential bills and food.
Jessica feels that supporting the work of the Food Bank and its member agencies is an investment in the future, especially for families with children. “People are not trying to exploit the system, they’re genuinely in need. A welcoming atmosphere makes sure people get the help they need.”
IMPACT: Our agencies help guests live their best, healthiest lives – whatever that means to them.
