Brahidis’ life was turned upside down following an unexpected injury and a life-changing cancer diagnosis. “I’ve been unemployed for the last three years…” He explained the sudden change to his income due to a shoulder replacement, “… a month later Brahidis found out he had cancer on [his] right kidney.” Unemployed and facing the rising costs of gas, food, and rent, Brahidis needed the support and companionship.   

Like many in the community, Holy Trinity’s EFDN+ Program food distribution site was an imperative place of support and hope that found him at his lowest. At Holy Trinity, hope was getting canned goods, which could help lower his monthly grocery costs, and fresh rescue items, which provided healthy food options. The support of the pantry and its welcoming volunteers kept him healthy enough to traverse his cancer diagnoses. “I have my last chemo on Friday…” he told the team with a smile.

It wasn’t just his body that was nourished by the distribution site, but his soul as well. Farrah and her team volunteer each week, serving as familiar faces to the in-need community members. Brief interactions during the hand-off of food can nourish participants’ hearts and souls, just as food boxes nourish their bodies and their families.

Vicky spends her Fridays volunteering at a pantry similar to the EFDN+ Distribution site, where she gets supplemental food each week. Giving back has helped her form strong relationships with the volunteers who support the EFDN+ Program site. She knows how valuable personal time is and the dedication volunteers have to participants in showing up week after week.

She thinks food support is more important than ever. “I am trying to find a job, gas is going up…I get very little food stamps right now,” she explained, a situation many San Diegans will face as the program is phased out. It isn’t just CalFresh that’s being cut; many community members will lose access to food stamps and EBT support.

In times like these, with inflation causing even the most economically stable community members to adjust their monthly expenses, programs like the EFDN+ ensure support is available to everyone. The program keeps mouths fed and prevents financial crisis and food insecurity.

“Right now, money is tight…” Jessica explained while she kept a hand on her toddler’s stroller, “Instead of buying groceries or putting it towards gas to get to his appointments…we have to see where we’re going to spend the money: on groceries or gas.”

Her son was all smiles as she explained the hardships the family had to endure to make ends meet. This is the case for many mothers, fathers, and caregivers across the county as they work in silence to make sure their children never feel the strains of the growing economic crisis.

For participants like Jessica, having food distributions in local community centers located in areas close to in-need neighborhoods is a saving grace. It allows participants to come and get their food without spending much on transportation.

“This helps a lot,” She said, rocking the stroller. “It’s helped my family and I know a lot of neighbors who live by feel the same…I want to say thank you to Catholic Charities for offering this to the neighborhood; its helped us a lot.”