Our Impact

As the holiday season approaches, the challenges of providing for her family weigh heavily on Melissa. Her family of six – including two grown children living on their own – has been struggling since a back injury left Melissa unable to work as a cook at an area hotel. Recently, the family began sleeping in their car. At a Southeast Missouri Food Bank distribution, Melissa shared some of her challenges. She said the pressure to provide a warm meal and celebrate the season with her children makes each day even more difficult.

“Oh, it’s hard. It’s very sad,” Melissa said. “It feels like I’m not prepared and haven’t been able to support my family.”

Despite the hardships, Melissa finds joy in feeding her children.

“My favorite thing to make for my family is anything with Mexican food. Spaghetti is big too, because it lasts a long time,” she said. “Being in the car, we can cook at the park, that’s what we’ve been doing.”

Thanks to the support of SEMO Food Bank, Melissa’s family will have a holiday meal they can enjoy together.