Hunger Stories

James, food pantry guest

"I work professionally as a seasonal tax preparer. I've also volunteered with the Food Bank to help people with their taxes. Because of that I got on the Food Bank's email list, and that's how I heard about the food pantry. Even now that I finally found work outside of tax season, it's still hard to afford food.

"I like that you get to choose what you want here. There are so many options. I’m not a great cook, so I like the canned goods and the dry grains. They last a long time and are pretty easy to prepare. Sometimes I bring some of the food to my mom and sisters. They’re much better cooks than I am, and they really like the fresh produce.

"I live twenty blocks away — I've lived here my whole life. It's a bit of a trip to come here but it's worth it. I've been coming for several months and I get meals at the soup kitchen upstairs sometimes too.

"I am very grateful that this resource is available and still open. It isn't a hassle to get help, and that's nice. I'm thankful and appreciative that our community has it."

Deborah, food pantry guest

"About five years ago I lost some of my vision because of glaucoma. I have a hard time getting around, so I’m not able to come to the food pantry as often as I’d like. It’s pretty close to where I live though, so it’s not too hard. The people here make it easy for me too. They bring me right inside when they see me, so I don't have to wait in line.

"I wouldn’t be able to stay as healthy without the Community Kitchen. I have a special diet because of high blood pressure and my groceries can get really expensive. Here you get such a great variety of things — and I eat it all!

"I plan on shopping here for the holidays. When I think of the holidays I think of food and family. Being warm and cozy and happy and having enough to eat. This food helps me have a good holiday.

"I come to the pantry only when I need it. I don't want to take advantage of their generosity because there are people who truly need the pantry more than I do. My food stamps don't come till the middle of the month, and I’ve learned to balance things out, but sometimes I need the help to make it through.

"I would like to thank the people who provide us with these services. I hope it continues to be here to help all the people who need it.”

We met Deborah during food pantry distribution at the Food Bank's Community Kitchen & Food Pantry

Susan, food stamp recipient

photo by Susan Falzone; courtesy of Professional Women Photographers "PWP"

“I've been out of steady work for three years now. I think a lot of the office work has disappeared, or there's just so few people doing so many people's jobs now. You don't get those $15–20 an hour jobs anymore. Everything's like $7.40, and there’s not a lot of full-time. I just don't know how you can pay rent on less than $1,000 a month and feed yourself at the same time.

“Back in April, I went to the [GrowNYC, Union Square] greenmarket manager to see about work. As we were talking, he asked me if I was on food stamps. Someone from the Food Bank was there, and helped me apply. I did end up getting a job here but I still qualify for food stamps since I make just $800 a month.

“If it weren't for the Food Bank, I would probably be eating whatever's really, really cheap — rice and beans or bread. I try to use my food stamps mostly at the greenmarket, because I do believe in supporting farmers. Plus, this way I'm able to keep my nutrition up, which is so important. I'm 45, so obviously there are health issues that are coming up.

“The Food Bank is fantastic. When I was losing my apartment a while back, I can't tell you how reassuring it was just to be able to go to the Food Bank’s website and see, if I did get locked out before I got home, where I could find a meal. Thank you.”

We met Susan at the Union Square greenmarket, where the Food Bank offers food stamp assistance.