Josefa’s Story
The summer heat brings an added burden to families already on a tight budget: the high cost in utility bills. Josefa lives with her husband, her disabled mom, and five children (including two that are adopted). Her husband has a full-time job that provided for their family, until his hours significantly reduced due to the impacts of COVID-19.
With a much smaller paycheck and the same number of growing children to feed, the family struggles to keep food on the table and are barely able to afford paying their electric bill and water bill. Imagine having to consider completely turning off the air conditioning in the scorching hot Phoenix summer, just to be able to stretch money far enough for food. Thankfully, they came to St. Mary’s Food Bank for help instead.
Josefa spent her childhood volunteering at a local food bank. Fast forward many years later, she understands what it’s like to be on the receiving end. She receives enough food to feed her family. She loves the fresh quality of food, especially the meat, dairy, and produce. She is so proud to be able to utilize every single item of food given to her.
“I don’t know how we would have paid our bills without the help from St. Mary’s Food Bank,” she told us. Thanks to your continued support, families like Josefas’ don’t have to choose between paying their utility bill or going hungry.
