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Feeding Hope: Jocelyn’s Story
“One day at a time. We’re going to be okay.”
Jocelyn expressed hope for the future as she and her husband waited in line for a drive-thru Mobile Market distribution. This was their first time at a Mobile Market event.
Jocelyn’s hope didn’t come without concerns, though. An employee in the facilities department at a local university, she was worried she’d lose her job soon due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the department was planning to lay off several people at the end of the month. A layoff would not only mean a dramatic decrease in family income but also loss of medical insurance. After a cancer diagnosis in 2017, Jocelyn still needs regular check-ups. Without insurance, she wasn’t sure she could continue to visit her doctor.
“I’m very thankful for the people behind this. Thank you very much for being generous and having a big heart.”
Even with her current job, Jocelyn was already concerned about her family’s finances. “When it comes to budget, it’s really tight,” she said. Increased food prices in grocery stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic made it harder to afford the food her family needs. “We have to think about what is really important and what are necessities.”
Still, Jocelyn had a positive attitude. Knowing that she could get food, especially produce, to cook meals for her family lifted her spirits. “Don’t lose hope. It’s not going to help us. In life, there’s ups and downs,” she said. She was grateful for everyone who supported the Mobile Market distribution for helping make this particular “down” time a little bit easier. “I’m very thankful for the people behind this. Thank you very much for being generous and having a big heart.”
A Thanksgiving Thanks – November 17
Thanksgiving, known for bringing together cherished ones over a festive meal, embodies not only the joy of togetherness but also serves as an occasion to express and spread gratitude. As we reflect on gratitude, we at Second Harvest want to send heartfelt thanks to the pantries and meal programs that tirelessly serve our communities.
Service to Country and Community – November 10
The Bite2Go program rallies people from a diversity of backgrounds around the simple belief that no child should go hungry. Our donors and volunteers come from the business world, the faith community and a variety of civic groups and clubs; they range in age from 9 to 90.
As Nov. 11, Veterans Day, approaches, we’d like to take time to thank a special group — our veterans — and acknowledge the multiple ways they serve our program and our communities as they once served their nation.
What My Internship Taught Me – November 3
Food insecurity. It is a term we so often hear, but many of us never really understand because we are lucky.
We have never skipped a meal because we can’t afford one or questioned when we will eat again. But it’s a reality for thousands of our neighbors.
They have to make impossible choices about whether to buy medication, pay rent, keep the power on, and put gas in the car — or buy food for the week.
And while I knew that people around me were making these choices every day, I never understood it until working with Second Harvest.
Feeding Eastern Washington and North Idaho
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