It feels good, as a mother, to know your children will come home from school, open the fridge, find something there and be able to eat when they are hungry. During meals, they smile and laugh, and I know food is now something that brings comfort instead of fear.

- Anja

They are survivors—we are survivors. Solina, who is 13, wants to be a NICU nurse when she grows up, and Zoe, who is 11, is passionate about being an animator. The food pantry and other sources of support have been healing for us. They’ve helped us put the past behind us and focus instead on moving forward with our dreams.

Anja recently left her husband, who was abusive to her and her daughters. Unable to work while in a controlling relationship, she struggled to save up the resources needed to escape the situation. With the help of a local women’s shelter, Anja and her daughters were able to find a place of refuge while establishing a new life away from the cycle of abuse.

“I haven’t been able to find work yet, even though I’m trying. As a result, I have barely any income coming in. When we first moved, I was scared that I might not be able to feed my family.”

“My friend told me about a local food pantry, and it’s been one of the best things that has ever happened to me.“

Anja and her daughters visit the pantry to get meat, fresh vegetables, pasta, and other healthy pantry staples. This hope has given Anja peace of mind and empowered her to provide a better life for her daughters during a difficult time.

“I know this situation has been rough for my girls, and so many times I’ve felt helpless to make it better. When we were suffering from abuse, food was withheld from us, and we often didn’t get enough. I didn’t want my children to feel like that again, even if it was for a different reason.”

“It feels good, as a mother, to know your children will come home from school, open the fridge, find something there and be able to eat when they are hungry. During meals, they smile and laugh, and I know food is now something that brings comfort instead of fear.”

SHARE YOUR STORY OF HUNGER & HOPE

What does food mean to you? Is it the root of a family tradition or a connection to a culture? Is it a reward for passing a test or finally hitting the gym one afternoon? Is it something you fear you will not have enough of at times? You have a story worth telling. We are asking you to share your own story of food insecurity, where you experienced it directly, or through a family member or community work.

Help provide a voice for yourself or for your neighbors struggling with hunger along the Central Gulf Coast. Utilize the Contact Us form to share your story.

Walmart: Fight Hunger, Spark Change

• Purchase participating items at Walmart and Sam's Club stores; and online at Grocery.Walmart.com and SamsClub.com during the campaign period April 22-May 20. There are 267 participating products from 18 suppliers: Bush Brothers, Campbell’s, Conagra Brands, Cliff Bar, General Mills, Gold Peak Tea, Great Value, Hidden Valley, JM Smucker, Kellogg, Kraft Heinz, McCormick, Motts, PepsiCo, Post, Uncle Ben’s, Nature Nate’s Honey and Unilever.
• Donate at the register. $1 helps provide at least 10 ten meals secured by Feeding America.