Real Stories of Hunger

An illness, a job loss, a move to care for aging family members — these are just some of the reasons Americans have turned to their local food banks for help in a time of need.

Trish

Fort Washakie,

Wyoming

“When you’re hit financially, you’re just without and there’s nothing more scary than when you’ve got to figure out how to feed your kids.”

Happiness is a choice. And that’s the choice Trish and Jake Hill make for themselves and their family every day.

Read Trish's Story

Roberta

Waterloo,

Iowa

Thanksgiving would be a normal day without this food. I'm grateful for the food and I'm just really thankful for all the blessing we have.

Roberta has a career in home healthcare but needed a little extra help this year affording food for Thanksgiving. She knew the food bank would be there for her. This food helps to make the holidays special for her family.

Read Roberta's Story

Elijah

San Antonio,

Texas

“When I’m hungry, I get tired or I’ll get distracted,” Elijah said. “But when I’m not, I’m on-task and I can focus. If I’m full, I’m ready for whatever happens."

Elijah, an 11-year-old in Texas, wants to be a robotic engineer when he grows up. But before that, he needs food over the summer. This is his story.

Watch Elijah's Story

Robert

San Antonio,

Texas

Robert is a dedicated grandfather, making sure his six grandchildren who he takes care of by himself have everything they need - including food. Sometimes, especially during the summer, he needs a little help making sure they have enough to eat.

Christina

Chicago ,

Illinois

“Most people don’t think Asians are lacking, but so many are working in restaurants and a lot are out of work because many of those businesses have been closed down. Food is one of the basics. I want to make sure people are fed, especially right now.”

When the COVID pandemic hit, Christina Sung wanted to help in any way she could. Then she saw a Chinese translator was needed at the St. James Food Pantry. As a chef and Chinese-American, she jumped at the chance to volunteer at a food-based organization.

Read Christina's Story

Anne

Berkshire ,

New York

“(The pantry) changed everything. My mom’s voice kept going through my head, ‘Take the helping hand when you need it, and give back when you don’t.’”

Anne Lee and her family relied on income from their dairy cows in Upstate New York, but 2019 changed everything. They no longer were making enough money to keep food on the table. They turned to their local food bank for help so they didn't have to worry about food for themselves or their children.

Read Anne's Story

Alma

Waterloo,

Iowa

"This is a blessing. We'd make it; we'd scrape buy without this. I'd be sue of it. But this does help."

Alma's been a workaholic her whole life. She's proud that she's always tried to get more hours, do more. But when Thanksgiving arrived, Alma didn't hesitate to reach out for a little extra help.

Read Alma's Story