We try to communicate to our supporters statistics that tell what we are doing. But nothing we report, nor any of the statistics we quote, can say as much about the issues we address as the words and stories of the people who need our help.

For several years now, Mid-Ohio Foodbank has conducted an anonymous survey at large pantries in every county we serve. We ask pantry clients to tell us about themselves. Through a series of pointed questions with an opportunity to add words of their own about how they came to this place in their lives, we have learned something of the rock-hard life that faces many otherwise average Americans.

The following is a sampling of the stories they shared with us:
 

"I became disabled, losing my form of income. I am now on SSI. I also received two grandchildren to finish raising. Funds are very limited." – Franklin County

"One of my children is autistic with special needs making it virtually impossible to find adequate, affordable childcare." – Madison County

"We do not make enough money to go around. I have car payments, surgery, medicine, no insurance, rent, and utility bills. So much to pay and so little money that food is a small priority. I make sure my daughter has everything she needs and if her father and I don’t eat at least she will." - Fairfield County

"Husband became disabled two years ago and has not been approved for Social Security. Lost my job in Oct. 2002, gained employment in March 2003 at half the pay and no health benefits." – Marion County

"I got laid off just as I was getting back on my feet. My wife’s hours were cut. (Welfare says we make too much money. I’d like to know where it is)." - Knox County

"Husband is sick and unable to work. I work, but with utilities and medicine there is no money left." – Franklin County

"I lost my job, drawing unemployment. I’ve never went without work this long. I’m having problems with high blood pressure. I take care of my mother, and I pay for her medicine and that hurts me a lot with bills. I’ve never used your service. I paid into United Way, plus donate to Salvation Army. I didn’t know you had this service, I thank you so very much!" – Marion County

"When I got pregnant with twins, I became too sick to work (very high risk pregnancy). HUD housing screwed up my paperwork. I became homeless. It’s a shame how fast you can fall because a lack of help." – Franklin County

"I am a disabled veteran. I have a set income every month. Some months are easier than others. Some months get pretty rough. I only get $105 in food stamps for my family. I thank God that there are organizations that are willing to help." – Pickaway County

"I left an abusive husband. He does not help us out. Afraid to file for divorce yet but plan on it."- Madison County

"The last year with my husband has been very shaky. He controlled all the money and left me nothing." - Knox County

"I’m 63 and got sick and had to pay more for medicine. So I need assistance to help me right now." – Belmont County

"My husband’s long battle with cancer wiped out our assets. I don’t drive so I had problems working with no transportation. Now I have Social Security – less than $600 a month. I am 73 year’s old." – Jefferson County

"My husband just got back to work recently due to back injuries. I use to work part time and go to G.E.D. classes but we only have one vehicle for transportation. Since he made more money I took a leave of absence until we got another car for each one of us to have transportation." – Morrow County