Stephanie and Jeremy
It’s noon on Wednesday, and the West Seattle Food Bank already has a line outside that wraps around SW Morgan Street. Stephanie and Jeremy patiently wait in line with their winter coats and a handful of reusable bags.
After they do their shopping, they kindly agree to share their experience with us.
The couple have been coming here for more than a year now, picking up food that helps nourish both themselves and their teenage son. Stephanie was recently laid off from Amazon, and Jeremy’s business has been slow. While there’s some money coming in, it’s not enough to ensure the family has the food it needs.
Like many people who struggle with food insecurity for the first time, the couple found it difficult to come to the food bank. But the realization that this could happen to them was even harder to ponder.
“You go to college, you go to work, and you keep moving up,” says Jeremy. “You never think that in your mid-forties, you’re going to struggle. Struggle to the point where you’re going to have to make hard decisions.”
With rising food prices, those decisions have become a harsh reality.
“$100 at the grocery store doesn’t get us anywhere near the amount of food it used to,” says Stephanie. “So, we either spend more money or pay the gas bill and keep the heat on.”
While Jeremy does the family’s cooking, he says the food they receive here is making a huge difference in their lives.
“We get eggs, vegetables, meats, and canned goods. It really helps supplement the food that we’re able to afford at the grocery store.”
Jessica tells us she’s just had a job interview a few days before and thinks she has a good shot at getting the job. Jeremy says he expects his business to pick up in the Spring. For what they lack in income right now, they more than makeup for in hope. And the comfort of having somewhere to turn when life gets hard.