Stories of Impact: Theresa

“I’ve spent my life trying to make a difference in my community – I’m so thankful that now there are people who care about me.”

Theresa moved to Nevada to live near her son in the fall of 2019. That summer, Theresa and her husband lost their home in Oklahoma in a tornado, and then her husband passed away unexpectedly just a few weeks later. Now, Theresa lives in a senior living apartment in Reno.

With only her social securtiy for monthly income, Theresa is living on a very tight budget. Once her rent and other bills have been paid, there isn’t much left over for groceries – certainly not enough to be able to afford very many healthy options. While her son tries to help her financially when he can, Theresa worries about being a burden on him.

Theresa spent much of her life working for non-profits, mostly as a grant writer. During all of those years spent working to serve her community, she never imagined the day would come that she’d be the one needing the help of organizations like the Food Bank.

Shortly after moving here, a neighbor told Theresa about the Food Bank’s Senior Box program (SNWP), which comes right to her apartment building each month. She signed up for the program, and now gets a box of pantry items each month, plus some beautiful fruits and vegetables. Theresa tells us she really loves the fresh produce and was so excited when our new Produce on Wheels van started coming to her apartment as well. Now, she’s able to get fresh produce three times a month from the Food Bank.

“It’s really exciting to see what’s going to be in the bags each week. My neighbors and I love comparing notes about what we made with the items we receive. I’ve gotten quite a few things I’d never used before, and I am having a lot of fun discovering new recipes. I like to look all of the ingredients up in my phone to get inspired, and I’ve found some really delicious casseroles and other wonderful things to make with the items I receive.

The Food Bank doesn’t only help me with my nutrition. It’s also helped me to find a sense of community in my new town. These programs, and the people I meet because of them, have truly brought the sparkle back to my life.”

“I’ve spent my life trying to make a difference in my community – I’m so thankful that now there are people who care about me.”

Food Bank of
Northern Nevada

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