Meg*, a resident of Westerly, visits the pantry at Jonnycake Center for Hope in Peace Dale with her two teenage daughters.
Meg is unable to work due to a disability, leaving limited social security benefits as her sole source of income. She also qualifies for SNAP benefits to purchase food.
“Our SNAP benefits run out within the first week of us receiving them,” Meg said. The family of three receives $175 per month in SNAP assistance on her EBT card.
Meg has been visiting the Jonnycake pantry, a member agency of the Food Bank, for the past two years. But with the cost of food so high, she has found herself coming more frequently than before.
Many people have the perception that food insecurity only exists in urban areas, but with the high cost of living felt by so many, the Food Bank supports pantries across the state, serving every community.
“With two growing teens in the house, I’m constantly trying to make sure they have enough food to keep themselves healthy and satisfied,” Meg said. “My girls come first.”
*Name changed to maintain anonymity.
