Real Stories of Hunger

Happiness is a choice. And that’s the choice Trish and Jake Hill make for themselves and their family every day.

Sally Latimer, the co-director of the pantry, joined the organization in 2018 as a way to give back to her tribe. She also knows what it’s like to be hungry. After her husband passed away a decade ago, she became the sole provider for her family. “Every time I hand a bag of food to someone, it’s me giving back just a tiny bit of what was given to me,” she said.

Roberta has a career in home healthcare but needed a little extra help this year affording food for Thanksgiving. She knew the food bank would be there for her. This food helps to make the holidays special for her family.

Elijah, an 11-year-old in Texas, wants to be a robotic engineer when he grows up. But before that, he needs food over the summer. This is his story.

Robert is a dedicated grandfather, making sure his six grandchildren who he takes care of by himself have everything they need - including food. Sometimes, especially during the summer, he needs a little help making sure they have enough to eat.

Lamont’s life took an unexpected turn when an on-the-job injury left him unemployed and relying on the food pantry to help feed his children. Now, he helps other families get back on their feet as the director of the same food pantry.

When the COVID pandemic hit, Christina Sung wanted to help in any way she could. Then she saw a Chinese translator was needed at the St. James Food Pantry. As a chef and Chinese-American, she jumped at the chance to volunteer at a food-based organization. 

Anne Lee and her family relied on income from their dairy cows in Upstate New York, but 2019 changed everything. They no longer were making enough money to keep food on the table. They turned to their local food bank for help so they didn't have to worry about food for themselves or their children. 

When the COVID pandemic reached Hawaii, Tony Wong Cam and his parents worried about their farm located in Wai'anae. But with the help of the Hawaii Foodbank, they were able to keep farming. Now, Huang's Green Leaf Products and other farms provide produce for their neighbors facing hunger. 

Gregory Gross is the executive director of Care for Real, a food pantry that serves the LGBTQ community in Chicago. Learn how Gregory and Care for Real make the pantry a safe and welcoming environment for our LGBTQ neighbors.

Alma's been a workaholic her whole life. She's proud that she's always tried to get more hours, do more. But when Thanksgiving arrived, Alma didn't hesitate to reach out for a little extra help.