Jacob Degillio, Detroit

I live with my fiancé Jessica, and 2 newborn children. I also have 2 other children from a previous relationship that visit as well.

Up until this point in my life, I’ve never really had to worry about food. We always had tuna or canned foods stored away, or our parents would. It never really felt like there was nothing in the cupboard. But now, at 41, it’s at that point.

The first time I went to Mother’s Pantry was over a year ago. Jess and I had nothing in the house on a Wednesday around 5 pm, so I called the pantry. The woman who answered decided to help me even though I wasn’t in the system and it was after close. She went back to the pantry to put together a food basket for me.

Gratefully, I walked there to get the box and took it home. I had a good laugh when I saw a bag of lemons in there. It made me think; when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Sure enough, we made lemonade and some fish. Anything was helpful at that time, so I really thank that woman.

I paid into the system my whole life with taxes. I figured when I needed it, the system would help me.”

I’ve worked my whole life, but recently, I left on a mutual resignation to get my associates degree in supply chain management. I didn’t know then, but as soon as you register for school you get automatically disqualified from any EBT benefits. You’d think they’d be helping students, not cutting them off.

I paid into the system my whole life with taxes. I figured when I needed it, the system would help me. Now, I would love to go back for my bachelor’s but I’m reassessing how much things are, especially with the twins.

Obviously, the price of food has gone up. The canned goods that used to be 39 cents are a dollar now. Instead of getting three cans of corn, you get one. We used to get a gallon of milk for under $1.50 but now it’s up a dollar. Everything is doubled so the same money isn’t getting the same amount.

Now, each month, we need $600 instead of $350 to get us through. A lot of people are going to be hurting to cover these extra costs themselves. At the pantry, you get $50 – $75 worth of food. When you start to realize those prices, you’re really thankful for Mother’s Pantry and the support of United Way. I thank God for working through these people to provide for us.