Lisa is a single mom to eight-year-old Mia. Lisa and Mia live in the small rural town of Hastings, PA, with a population of 1,208. The nearest grocery store to their home is a 12-mile drive on windy, country roads. Lisa does not have a car and she depends on rides from family and friends. In her own words, Lisa describes how the Cambria County Backpack Project (CCBP), a partner of the Food Bank, has changed her life: “The high cost of groceries is so overwhelming. I always run out of food stamps before the next month. I spend so much on basic groceries; I can’t afford fruit or fresh vegetables. Mia absolutely loves fresh fruit and vegetables and when she asks for it at the store I have to say ‘no” and when she says ‘why mommy’ I have to say I’m sorry baby, but it just costs too much. It breaks my heart because I don’t want her to struggle with her weight like me. ”
“I don’t have to stress as much with the weekend bags of food from the CCBP and I know it’s all food that’s good for her. It makes me happy when she brings home her bag of food and is excited to open it. She enjoys the fresh apple like it is the best thing in the world. It makes me feel good inside to know that someone is blessing us with food. It makes me feel good to know people care.”
CCBP asked Lisa to serve on their Board of Directors to provide an authentic perspective of the families they serve. Lisa has served on their board for over a year now, and greatly enhances their mission-driven work. This leadership position is a new role for Lisa. When asked about the experience of serving on the CCBP Board she says “I believe in putting good out in the world and for me that is what I feel that our program does, helping so many families that really are in so much need these days and it’s hard to find help. I feel blessed every time I get to give a good idea at our meetings, it makes my heart happy.”