$76 in Food Stamps to Feed Family of Four Isn’t Much: GBM Steps in to Help Alleviate Hunger

Oct 14, 2014 | Blog, Serving people

The patron whose story follows asked to remain anonymous. For purposes of the story, her name has been changed to Regina. 

Regina is no stranger to scraping by. Since her husband passed away three years ago, she’s struggling to support herself, her two adult children, and her grandson. 

“My husband was the breadwinner. When he died, his income, VA benefits, and everything just disappeared. It was already hard because I was going to school for education, but I couldn’t ever find a job in a school system,” Regina explained. 

It wasn’t long after that when Regina’s chest pains started. Her stress was only compounded by trying to support her two sons—one of whom was convicted of drug charges and therefore cannot qualify for food stamps, and another who is illiterate and therefore can’t hold a job—and her grandson. Like several of GBM’s patrons, Regina understands what it’s like to receive food stamps, but not enough to be food secure. 

“I have a small income, but it only pays the bills, nothing else. But because I do have some income, I only get $76 a month in food stamps for 4 people. That isn’t much…” Regina said, shaking her head. 

This is her first visit to GBM’s food pantry, and Regina is thankful she learned of GBM’s services. 

If you’d like to make a donation to GBM’s food pantry for people like Regina, click here to make a monetary donation online, or you can drop food off at the GBM’s location, 2304 12th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35234, Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. All donations are tax deductible.