Texas
This past summer, as the economy worsened and gas prices were on the rise, Ira and her family found themselves in need of food assistance for the first time. Even with a duel income, Ira, who works 40 hours a week as a waitress, and her husband, who works in construction, have struggled to provide for their family during these tough financial times. Ira even took a second job to help make ends meet—but with nine children, she found that she needed to be home more often to care for the family.
In search of help, Ira first applied for federal aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Food Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. Unfortunately, she did not qualify. She then turned to the San Antonio Food Bank (a member of Feeding America) for assistance. Through the food bank, she was directed to her local food pantry, St. Andrews Episcopal Church. There, the Denton family receives the necessary food needed to get by month-to-month.
Ira is truly grateful for the help her family receives through the food pantry and the National School Lunch Program that her children utilize during the school year. She has high hopes that she will soon find a better paying job. In the meantime, her local food pantry is there to support Ira and her family as long as needed.
Find out more about the San Antonio Food Bank.