Our Impact

Brenda has deep roots in Doniphan, recently moving into a house her grandparents left her that has been in the family for 95 years. She’s invested in her community, volunteering at Lean on Me food pantry twice a month.

Over the last year, she said she’s seen more people needing help as prices have risen; something that is more noticeable in a community with only one grocery store.

“Everything was raised at least 50 cents to a dollar; it is truly unbelievable,” she said. “I save money going for my eggs and produce in Poplar Bluff.”

Brenda has also found that she has needed food assistance, herself, visiting a pantry and receiving a Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CFSP) box once a month. Living on a fixed income, her household of two also has sacrificed some of their favorite foods due to higher prices.

“Meat, and we love a good steak,” she said when asked about what she hasn’t been able to buy. “We gave up a lot of produce as well to save money for other stuff.”

Brenda’s brother experiences diabetes, and she provides transportation for his treatments, and has had some health issues herself.

“Taking him back and forth is hard,” she said. “I’ve got some hospital bills, but the senior box and pantry visits help save extra money.”

Find a CSFP Pantry in  your county here.