Wherever Jaliscea goes, she lives to serve: “I just love helping people.”
That’s why she joined the Army, following in the footsteps of many of her relatives. Now a sergeant, Jaliscea volunteers her free time at a veterans center.
She recently helped out at a food distribution for veterans, military members and their families. They handed out produce, meat and other groceries to hundreds of people — more than half of them veterans, but also many active-duty military families.
As many as 160,000 active-duty military members faced food insecurity last year, according to the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Jaliscea says a lot of them need help, but “they’re afraid to say it.”
But Jaliscea isn’t afraid to say it. She and her husband have a blended family that includes seven children ranging in age from 1 to 13. They also care for her father, so their limited income doesn’t stretch very far.
“I don’t make a lot,” she says. “After I pay my bills, I’m pretty much done.”
At times, she wonders, “How are we going to eat this week? Or how are we going to eat next week?”
Fortunately, the food distributions make a difference.
Jaliscea says the fresh produce and nonperishable food help keep everyone eating healthily. Her kids are especially excited about the fruit. “They love bananas, apples, oranges, strawberries. They love it all.”
Jaliscea is grateful for the support from friends like you who help put food on the table for veterans — and military families like hers.
“Coming here helps us a lot,” she says. “Thank you.”