Ohio
This is the house that Tina and her husband, Bill, built. These parents of three were as meticulous in crafting the brick and wood façade of their home as they are in maintaining their well-manicured lawn. When Bill lost his job of 17 years only eight months ago, the two made a solemn promise to find every possible way to keep the home of their dreams.
While the family never used the services of a pantry, they did a great investigation into what options Delaware County, Ohio, had for those who were recently laid off. Her husband went on unemployment as he spent countless days sending out resumes to replace the loss of his $80,000 salary. Once a stay-at-home mother, Tina found part time work in home loan securities, but was eventually laid off as well. Desperate to maintain what they could of their lives, the two turned to a social worker in order to sign up for food stamps. At first they did this under a guise of secrecy, working hard to keep their strange new situation away from their teenage children. They were afraid that their kids would be ashamed of them.
Getting on a list to receive food stamps was quite the educational experience for the family, and today Tina puts her knowledge to work as a food stamp outreach coordinator for Columbus’ Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Although the family is still living pay check to pay check, things are better for them today than they have been in the past.
Tina covers a six county area each day, hoping to find people who may be too proud or scared to reach out for help or just do not know where to start. She tells them about the services available through Mid-Ohio Food bank and informs them of ways they can receive government help. And every day, as she looks at the mangled weeds of the foreclosed home next to her lot, she is reminded of how important it is for her neighbors to know that they have options to turn to for help.
Find out more about the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.