The Martinez Family: From Recipients to Volunteers

When Maria Martinez lost her job during the pandemic, feeding her three children became her biggest worry. "I didn't know where our next meal was coming from," she recalls. "Walking into the food pantry for the first time was the hardest thing I've ever done."

Finding Help

A school counselor told Maria about the Backpack Buddies program, which was already sending food home with her youngest child on Fridays. The counselor connected her to the Northside Community Pantry, where she could pick up groceries for the whole family.

Giving Back

After finding a new job, Maria began volunteering at the same pantry that had helped her family. Today, she volunteers every Saturday and has become a mentor to other families who come through the door for the first time.

"I know what it feels like to need help," Maria says. "I want other families to know there's no shame in it. Harvest Hope was there for us, and now I'm here for others."