A Toni’s Kitchen Guest Story: “Eric”

(NOTE: This is part of a series of stories focusing on how we work to improve the lives of our guests at Toni's Kitchen. To see previous "Toni's Kitchen Guest Stories," please click here.)

At Toni's Kitchen we know that neighbors who need food support also find other local services helpful in gaining independence and stability. For that reason our Choice Pantry is managed by a Social Worker who collaborates to bring other services such as mobile medical/dental services, legal services, nutrition counseling, insurance enrollment, SNAP enrollment, and other important services onsite during pantry hours.

This collaborative approach amplifies the benefits of having access to healthy food by making strong connections to other helpful services that are already available in our local community. One of our recent guests illusrates the impact.

Eric (not his real name) was unemployed when he first visited Choice Pantry last Fall. He was thrilled that the food offering included healthy choices, especially fresh produce for his family. During his time with us, Eric was able to take advantage of education guidance to help find the best support for his child with special needs and also employment counseling that assisted with resume development and his job search.

Now, a mere 8 months later, Eric and his wife have their own apartment, Eric is working in a grocery store, and his children are doing well in school. Money is still tight and Eric knows that road ahead will require careful money management and a bit of luck. But Eric is optimistic and tremendously grateful. "I always feel welcome here and am thankful for the understanding and resources that you have given us," says Eric.

Toni's Kitchen is thankful for the deeply talented partners that work so collaboratively to make sure all our neighbors can meet their most basic health and nutrition needs.