Faces of Hunger: The Working Family

Just One of the Many Working Families who Still Need Help While Working and Contributing to the Communities They Live in

Laura and Joel, and son, Martin, just shy of one-year old, live a typical life of the many working families on the central coast. Joel goes to work at a job, and Laura stays home to raise their son. After expenses, including rent, utilities, telephone service, diapers, gas and insurance to drive to and from work, there is not much left of their paycheck to buy the nutritious food they need to feed a family of three.

Laura, Joel and Martin Diaz are grateful recipients of food distributed at Saint Anthony’s Church by member agency People Helping People. One of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s 200 member agencies who distribute the food through our Shopping Program to more than 100,000 hungry people every year.

“All the things we need,” says Laura, “just the basics you need cost a lot today; the ingredients to make good food and meals that last.” Laura and Joel count their money wisely and know some months the paychecks aren’t always the same. “I took the turkey and chicken we received for thanksgiving and cut it up so we can make it last and ration as long as possible.”

Laura knows that Martin needs the high protein food to grow strong and healthy. “He’s growing fast and he loves the bananas we get and he’s teething, so he really likes the crackers,” she said. “Sometimes it is scary when there is nothing in the refrigerator or cupboards.”

“We receive two big bags of groceries a month with a wide variety food.” It is very good, and we’ll get extra beans, rice, sugar, potatoes and broccoli,” says Laura. “It is fresh and it makes a big difference. If people need some help sometimes and it is out there, you need to get it for your family. It is a good thing and the Foodbank helps get the food to the people who work but just need something extra to make it through the month.”

The fresh produce is part of the Foodbank’s Produce Initiative. The program offers a comprehensive array of services built around securing and distributing fresh produce.