La Voz Sylmar's pantry is open every Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

LaTashia

LaTashia became a single parent shortly after giving birth to her now 6-year-old daughter. LaTashia's income from her job at that time was barely enough to pay the rent, bills and daycare. "I prayed for help, but because of my pride, I never thought about getting food from the food pantry ministry of the local church that I had attended several times.

"The first time I went I felt a little bit of shame and guilt,but at the same time, I was happy and relieved of worry about whether or not my daughter and I would have enough food to eat," said LaTashia.

"I never thought I would be here; however, I was glad to be at the food pantry. I would periodically come and receive groceries over the years and just seeing how kind everyone has been and how the volunteers served the people actually helped to restore my faith in humanity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic."

In 2022, LaTashia started a business and has been slowly building up her clientele. "My income has recently become reasonable enough for me to stand on my own," she said. "I will never forget that someone helped me when I was in need. Now I volunteer in the food pantry ministry to help others.

"I thank God and I am grateful for the help that was provided during struggled times. I thank God for Valley Food Bank and all of the suppliers that the food is trickling down from and I thank God in knowing that if I'm ever in need again, food pantries and people who actually care are still around."

Sarah

Due to the company downsizing, Sarah was demoted at work. Her husband was laid off from his job and began receiving unemployment compensation. Their decreased income was too much to qualify for food stamps but not enough to cover bills like rent, food and other necessities such as transportation costs.

During this period of economic hardship Sarah and her husband exhausted their savings and felt like they had nowhere to turn for help. She remembered seeing a line of cars at Rock of The Valley Church of God in Christ and recalled food boxes being dropped in their trunks. She decided she would get in line to see what kind of help was being provided. "The food I receive has been critical to my household,"

Sarah said, adding that she also appreciates that the food pantry offers toiletries, diapers and wipes for her two toddler-aged children. Her husband was called to go back to work but it's still a struggle for the couple to maintain an adequate amount of food in the household as the cost of food and rent has been continually rising.

Despite the struggles, Sarah said the future is looking bright as she anticipates a raise and a promotion to a manager position. The food pantry will always be considered a saving grace for her family, especially over these particularly difficult several months.

"God has been with us through the challenges and I thank Him that with the food pantry's help we have survived," Sarah said. "We are grateful and appreciate food banks, food pantries and the people who volunteer to help their communities."