Cheryl’s Story

“I don’t know what I would have done without Catholic Charities,” says Cheryl, a South Bend food pantry recipient. “I only had one can of chicken soup left on my shelf.”

Cheryl is recently disabled after many years of working in banking and retail stores. She has lived alone since her mother died, and was experiencing a great sense of isolation and loneliness when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Compounding her financial difficulties, she still has not received her stimulus check.

She says that, since she did not have to spend money on food at the store, the Food Pantry has allowed her to keep up on her other bills more easily.

“It’s such a blessing to get this food,” she says. “Now I can put more money toward rent and utilities.”

Cheryl heard about the Food Pantry from a friend. As with many we have served, she has never had to seek assistance before. In fact, numbers requesting assistance from the Food Pantry have more than tripled since the start of the pandemic in March. Many come initially seeking food, but then learn about our Resource and Referral program which can provide help with other basic needs such as clothing, shelter and utilities. Cheryl says she is surprised by the variety, quality and quantity of food she has received. She adds that she was even able to share some with an elderly neighbor who was living in isolation and afraid to venture out in public.

“Plus, you gave me the opportunity to actually cook!” she says. “I can actually focus on good nutrition, not junk food.”

Like many older people who visit the Food Pantry, Cheryl was afraid of getting sick from coming into contact with others. As a result, she greatly appreciates all the precautions Catholic Charities has taken to safeguard her health when picking up food. The Food Pantry used to require clients to fill out a sheet of desired items and then we would bag them for them. But with the onset of COVID, we now pre-package bags with food. Each client gets one bag of canned food and one bag of fresh food. We also reduce client contact with staff (e.g. signing forms) as much as possible and do not allow clients inside during food pantry hours. These measures help us maintain a clean food pantry and office area for staff, thereby minimizing everyone’s risk. All staff wear masks and practice social distancing during food pantry hours.

“I’m very, very grateful,” Cheryl says. “Catholic Charities has just been a life saver.”