Helena Food Share

Inspirational stories shared among volunteers and staff convey moments that can only happen because of the generosity of our community. An act of kindness, no matter how small, rarely goes unnoticed. Your support makes a difference in feeding bodies and hearts. Here are a few highlights shared by staff: — A man came in who was so ashamed to ask for food support that he wouldn’t look me in the eye. I learned his wife died the year before, and he was struggling to make ends meet for his family. He came to the Pantry that day hoping to find some items for his daughter’s birthday party. One of our volunteers ran back to the freezer to get ice cream that had come in earlier from grocery rescue to give to him for his daughter’s party. When she handed it to him, he broke down in tears. — — A mother holding a baby stood at the Pantry door crying. She was ashamed to come in. While checking in, she allowed me to help with her baby while she shopped. By the end of her time shopping, she smiled and was grateful for the food. From that day forward, the woman gladly came to the Pantry, letting me hold her baby girl while she shopped. — —I noticed a young boy, about 11 or 12 years old, checking in at the front desk. I asked if he was shopping by himself, and he cheerfully replied, “Yes, I’m shopping for my mom, who is sick and at home with my baby brother.” The boy was very enthusiastic and proud to be able to shop for his family. I watched as he made his way around the Pantry to ensure he got everything his family might need, and he did a good job. A couple who was shopping behind him was also watching the young boy. They offered him their meat allotment and a few of their items from the “Extras” shelf. As they watched him finish up, they said, “Good job, young man.” Watching him shop confidently and interact with the other customers was so sweet and inspiring. You never know the challenges or strength of those we serve. —