Hunger is a symptom of poverty. Its devastating effects are similar but each story is unique. These personal stories provide insight into the gripping faces of hunger.
Faces of Hunger
- Daughter of Struggling Senior Citizens
My parents are both in poor health and unfortunately have to live off their social security. They have a lot of prescription expenses for my mother and with three children I cannot help as much as I would like. It has broken my heart to see the conditions they have to face. I will tell you that when my husband and I delivered a car full of groceries we got through Operation Food Search, you can only rejoice at the reaction of my parents. Tears came to my father's eyes as he confessed they had run out of money and were low on food.
- Teenage Food Recipient Helping Out
We have been denied food stamps because two people in our family work and we have too much income. I am 18 and help my single mom raise two younger sisters. I help out at much as possible but after I pay for my car payment there is not much I can do. After the house payment and utilities are paid, we have almost no money for food. There are many times we struggle and have to count out change to buy milk for my sisters. We could not survive without the food we get.
- Middle Class Woman in Crisis
I used to be a woman who thought I could never experience the problem of hunger. My husband had a great job and we lived in a nice home in the suburbs. My children were in private schools. But then circumstances changed almost overnight. The stress of my husband's job drove him into a deep depression and he left us with no visible means of support. I was not able to pay the house payments and we lost our home. My two children and I found ourselves living in our car. Were it not for food pantries we would have gone hungry. We are so grateful to organizations like Operation Food Search who helped us during this time of great need. Both my children are now in college and I have completed my nurses training and am working at a hospital.
- Grateful Young Mother
My husband works as a gardener and his work is seasonal. I have two small children and do piece work from home. Our earnings go up and down each month and I go to our food pantry for help. Lately, I've had to go more often because gas costs so much. The food we get helps us pay for our rent and utilities. I was so happy the day I went in on my son's birthday- they actually found a birthday cake for him.
- Homeless Man
I am homeless. When I can I visit a shelter for a hot meal. My other food comes from digging through dumpsters behind restaurants. I have suffered for years with alcohol problems. My ties with family and friends are ruined. I have come to rely on the bonds made with shelter volunteers and other street people. I admit that there's not much hope for me. The warm meals really help, though.
Pantry Testimonials
Testimonials from our partner agencies show how we together impact people's lives.
- Agape House- Franklin County
We depend on Operation Food Search to help us feed 12,000 plus families each year. We have worked with Food Search almost 20 years and they have continuously provided a large percentage of the food we distribute each year.
- Centennial Christian Church
Because of your support our ministry was able to help over 500 families. Because of Operation Food Search so many people have come to us and said they didn't know what they would do without the pantry, which means if we didn't have Operation Food Search we would not have a pantry. How important is that? VERY IMPORTANT. We hope and pray that you will continue to assist our church and others with the wonderful donations.
- Parkview Place Apartments
Several days a week we pick up food from Operation Food Search and take it to the needy residents in the building. The residents truly appreciate the food. The residents are low-income and some of them rely on the give aways for their main food supply.
- The Salvation Army- Harbor Light Center
Operation Food Search is pleasant and easy to cooperate with on anything you might need. Without you I would have a hard time since you supply the food that is essential for this organization. You also supply knowledge to my staff by teaching serve safe classes.
- Our Lady's Inn Shelter
Our Lady's Inn is a shelter for homeless pregnant women and their children. Operation Food Search continues to keep food costs down, saving us thousands of dollars. The food donations received from Operation Food Search have helped us to provide nutritious meals, including fresh fruits and vegetables, to hundreds of clients over the years.
- Patch Neighborhood Center- Grace Hill Neighborhood Services
The neighbors in our community go through some trying times. The Operation Food Search donation of food items has enabled us to provide food for 1,191 families and 3,014 individuals in 2004. It is hard to put into words how Operation Food Search has helped us to help families in need. We know that in these trying times there will be more families going hungry and without Operation Food Search assistance these families would suffer.
- Circle of Concern
The hard work of the staff at Operation Food Search yields millions of pounds of much-appreciated, greatly needed food for area pantries. Thanks to Operation Food Search, Circle of Concern alone picks up over one thousand pounds of fresh produce, dairy products, bread, sandwiches, canned goods and other items every week.
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