Beth’s Story
“I get groceries that I cannot afford to buy, and it’s been a real blessing.”
Beth has been married for nearly 46 years and currently cares for her husband, who has been living in a nursing home for the last three years after suffering strokes. Beth is also an animal lover, caring for four dogs, two cats, a couple of ponies and raising chickens for eggs, which she occasionally sells. Despite the challenges in her life, including managing her household and tending to her animals, Beth finds solace in her faith and her church community and extra support through Loaves & Fishes Food & Resource Center.
“I get groceries that I cannot afford to buy and it’s been a real blessing. It really has. It’s a godsend,” she says.
Frederico’s Story
“People can focus on their lives rather than being hungry.”
Federico is making a fresh start. He recently moved into a sober-living house and has found work through the Hope Center in Enid. He is grateful for Loaves & Fishes Food & Resource Center and the assistance they provide while he builds a foundation for his future, and he hopes to return in the near future as a volunteer. “It does help people in very real practical ways,” he says. “People can focus on their lives rather than being hungry.” He continues, “It makes a difference between having a bad week or having a good week.”
“People can focus on their lives rather than being hungry.”
Kristopher’s Story
“Thank you. Big thanks. Because this is saving us.”
Kristopher is on disability after being hit by a semitruck several years ago, and his wife has been on disability for the last 10 to 15 years. Despite the hurdles, Kristopher has his eyes set on the future. He recently earned an associate degree and is now working toward a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is so grateful for the variety of food he’s been able to get for his family at Loaves & Fishes Food & Resource Center, especially for their 18-year-old son, a 6’2” athlete with a hefty appetite.
“Thank you. Big thanks. Because this is saving us. … It’s the difference between just being really, really hungry and actually having something to make.”
Tammy’s Story
“It makes it so much easier on a lot of us.”
Tammy loves living in Enid because this is where her family lives: five children, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Tammy moved here from Colorado, where she worked as a college professor and tutor, to help her children with their families. Despite financial struggles, Tammy remains independent and resourceful. She values the fresh produce and other healthy food that helps her stretch her budget at the end of the month. “I love this place. Just know this place is amazing. It makes it so much easier on a lot of us,” she says.
“It makes it so much easier on a lot of us.”
Arlee’s Story
“I’m going to make it.”
Arlee, a senior facing financial and housing challenges, shops at the Regional Food Bank Food & Resource Center while managing a difficult situation. She’s in the process of moving into a smaller housing unit, dealing with health issues, a lack of transportation and she struggles to make ends meet on a limited income. The food assistance is vital to her. Despite her difficulties, she remains resilient and praises the organization’s support for people in need. “God is good, and I’m going to make it,” she says.
Elbony’s Story
“It’s been a hard time for me and my kids, but I enjoy coming here, getting help when it’s needed.”
Elbony has been coming to the Regional Food Bank Food & Resource Center off and on for years to support herself and her three children. She expressed gratitude for the extra help, particularly during tough times when food prices make budgeting difficult. Unable to work due to illness, the food she gets stretches her limited resources to ensure her family has enough to last through the month. “It’s been a bit of a ride for us,” Elbony said. “It’s been a hard time for me and my kids, but I enjoy coming here, getting help when it’s needed.”
“It’s been a hard time for me and my kids, but I enjoy coming here, getting help when it’s needed.”
Josh’s Story
“You helped me put food in my kids’ stomachs. I really appreciate that.”
Josh recently moved back to Oklahoma with his family after a series of relocations due to personal losses. A father of four with another on the way, he works full time as a stocker at a major retailer while his wife takes care of their children. He’s been visiting the Regional Food Bank Food & Resource Center for about three months, initially hearing about it through social media, and he appreciates how it provides enough food to support his large family. “Thank you,” he says. “You helped me put food in my kids’ stomachs. I really appreciate that,” Josh said.
Juliana’s Story
“We really like pork jerky and cereal.”
Juliana is a fifth grader at John Rex Charter Elementary School. She enjoys getting to learn about math and reading in school. She receives a sack of food from the Backpack Program, which she shares with her four siblings. Her family really enjoys the juice, pork jerky and cereal available in the packs.
“We really like pork jerky and cereal.”