Tim worked as a project manager for Frito-Lay for years and made a good living. Then in 2009, everything changed when a back injury left him unable to work.
Surgery after surgery meant more time out of work, until he eventually lost his job. Medical bills piled up, and he used his retirement savings to pay them. Eventually, he could no longer afford his mortgage and lost his home.
Too many Oklahomans are one setback away from financial disaster. For Tim, it was a back injury and 41 subsequent surgeries. Today, Tim lives with his daughter Ashley and her family, who are helping him get back on his feet.
With a full house of her own two kids and husband, Ashley brings her dad to Manna Pantry to make sure he has what he needs. And it helps him contribute to the family, too.
Ashley was impressed with the quantity and variety of the food and is so happy she found somewhere that can help her dad.
“I think that you getting to pick some things also makes it a little bit better versus just getting the standard things that you get in a sack,” Ashley says. “You get some say. It’s kind of like going grocery shopping, just without actually going grocery shopping.”
Tim says the pantry has been a huge help for him and allows him to be more independent, so it’s not a burden on Ashley. “It’s great not having to worry at the end of the month whether you’ve got food or not,” Tim says. “That’s what it comes down to for me. I wouldn’t have food. I’m tremendously grateful.”
Because of friends like you, neighbors like Tim can get the nutritious food they need. Thank you!