Pantry Helps Young Family Make Ends Meet

“I told my husband that if I breastfeed, we can save money instead of using it to buy formula,” Maria says.

Maria lives with her husband and mother in Ingleside. The family receives food once a week from the pantry at St. Anthony of Padua Parish church. Maria stays home with her infant son while her husband works jobs in construction, whenever he can get them. Her mother works as a janitor.

When her son was born, the hospital staff told Maria that breastfeeding was best for the baby. But the financial implications were not lost on the family, either. The new expenses associated with having a child have to be afforded somehow.

“Diapers are expensive! They are 50 bucks a box,” Maria says, laughing in near disbelief. “That’s what I use the money for now. Instead of food, I buy diapers.”

She knows that soon her son will start eating solid food, and the groceries from the pantry give her peace of mind. “I know with the pantry, I can give him something to eat every day,” she says.

Giving back while receiving

Maria takes the reality of life in stride as she makes the most of the time with her son. Smiling and bright-eyed, the baby accompanies his mother to the food pantry.

In addition to collecting groceries for her family, Maria has volunteered at the pantry for many years. She helps set up the pantry and hands out food to the participants. Most of the people she helps are seniors who are no longer able to work to support themselves.

“I get to work with amazing people. I get to know the community better. Every day, I come, and they say ‘God bless you!’ or ‘Thank you for what you are doing!’ and that’s an expression people say when they think you are doing good work. That’s the most amazing thing.”

Until recently, Maria worked in an office that produced TV and radio programs. The office closed and moved to Hercules, California. Maria was pregnant at the time and wasn’t able to follow.

When her son gets a little older, she’d like to return to work. The volunteering she does for the food pantry isn’t that far off from her career goals.

“I love working with people. I would love to work with the Food Bank offices or work with other services in the community. I think the Food Bank will be part of my future.”

Written By: Blain Johnson