After her husband's hours were cut at work, Danniella sought out the pantry.

Here are the stories of two women who recently visited the food pantry at La Voz Sylmar Seventh Day Adventist Church, which operates with help from the Valley Food Bank.

Danniella

Danniella first came to the La Voz Sylmar food pantry, when her family, which includes Danniella, her husband, and their two daughters, began struggling financially. These are her words:

"At first, I felt embarrassed to show up at any food bank because I thought only poor people need this. But after my husband's hours were cut at his job, I decided I needed to do something to help in my home.

As discomforting as it was, we decided to turn to La Voz Sylmar food pantry for help. These aren't typical times, and we know they won't last forever. For now, the food bank has been a Godsend.

The food we receive is top quality, nutritious, and our kids love it. There are fresh fruits and vegetables, canned food, and some sweet bread that my daughters love!

We knew we wouldn't be able to afford the usual daily meal we've made for our family in the past, but now, seeing all the nutritious items that the La Voz Sylmar pantry provides, we know we can give our two daughters something that resembles our past meals.

The pantry has given us hope. Because of the food bank, my kids are eating. And because of that, we owe you our lives."

On a fixed income, Maria is grateful for the assistance with food.

Maria

Maria Isabell is a San Fernando resident who relies on assistance from the La Voz Sylmar pantry to help put food on the table. She visits the pantry every Thursday.

Maria is retired and lives on social security. When asked what brings her to the food pantry, she explained that she's on a fixed income and is just one incident away from facing food insecurity.

During a recent visit, Maria shared her enthusiasm for the day's food selection. "Today was an awesome day!" she said. "The food, the meat, the bread, the vegetables and the fruit!"

Every donation to the Valley Food Bank makes a difference in the lives of those experiencing hunger. Maria expressed her gratitude for our supporters. "I'm just so grateful and thankful. They just make life a little bit easier."

After her husband's hours were cut at work, Danniella sought out the pantry.

As the cost of living remains high in California, your help is critical to the Valley Food Bank, and our neighbors like Maria who rely on the pantry network. Thank you for supporting the Food Bank, so we can continue serving our community pantries.

The pantry at La Voz Sylmar Seventh Day Adventist Church operates every Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. La Voz Sylmar SDA is located at 13550 Herron St. in Sylmar. Visit valleyfoodbank.org/food-pantry-locations for all of our pantries' locations.