We often hear from our supporters that they appreciate any opportunity to hear more about how our programs are directly helping serve the community. The following account of a local family, both parents with physical disabilities, who are Fairfield residents with two sons (ages 8 and 13) demonstrates how critical access to a regular food supply is and how it impacts every other part of a person’s life. This family has been using the food pantry for the past 4 years, twice a month. Recently, they had to choose between having their lights shut off or purchasing groceries. The postal food drive was right on time, and they were able to pay their bill. “Without Operation Hope’s food pantry, I don’t know what I would do. Our family does not qualify for much in food stamps. The prepared meals volunteers bring in are so helpful, because often times I’m in pain and cannot stand up to cook for long periods of time because of the fibromyalgia,” the mom said.

Their children, especially the 8-year-old, love visiting the pantry with their mom to help with the food selection and to get books from library. They are able to secure snacks for school for the kids through the pantry, which they otherwise would not be able to afford. The mother says she can remember a period of time when her children were having difficulty in school, but once she was able to provide them with a good breakfast the children they were able to concentrate on their classes. During a recent parent-teacher conference, multiple teachers commented on how much the children have progressed and mornings aren’t hard for them like they used to be. The 13-year old played a role in helping another child on the bus deal with not being a morning person. He made the following: “You better eat breakfast, it helps. Your mom can go to Operation Hope’s food pantry too!”