Our Impact

Tunisia said she’s been dodging the curveballs life has tossed her way ever since she can remember.

The most significant may have been a life-altering car accident that caused severe spinal damage. Tunisia woke up to screws in her neck and had to wear a halo for the next 7 months. Unable to live on her own, Tunisia had to rely on others for many of her basic needs like cooking, cleaning, running errands, and doing housework.

When Tunisia relocated from Memphis, Tennessee, to Sikeston, Missouri, her Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card was mailed to her old address and she found herself down and out once again. Going out for a walk, she found herself at Good Neighbor Pantry in Sikeston.

“I found the food pantry in a moment of weakness, and it has done so much more than just hand out food,” she said. “Food is just one part of what helps make you feel human.”

Tunisia at Good Neighbor Pantry in Sikeston

At Good Neighbor Pantry, she receives nutritious food, including fruits, vegetables and proteins, all grown and raised in the U.S. and distributed through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

Tunisia is finding a community in Southeast Missouri and building relationships with her neighbors, many of whom she met at the food pantry.

“I have faith that no matter what comes, I can depend on my neighbors, church members and community to bring joy into my life and improve the lives of other families in their own moments of struggles,” she said.

Click here to find SEMO Food Bank pantries in your county.