Billy’s Story

Billy enjoys the food he gets at Flame of Hope.

It’s easy to let pride get in the way of doing things — even those things necessary to live, like eating when you’re hungry.

Billy encourages people to visit mobile food pantries if they need help getting enough food to eat.

“Don’t let your pride stop you,” he said.

Billy visits Flame of Hope, the food pantry in East Prairie where he lives.

With two kids at home, food is a precious commodity in his home. His kids try to convince him to take them out to eat, but he said he just can’t afford it. He considers himself lucky to have the food that Flame of Hope and Southeast Missouri Food Bank provide.

“It’s a blessing, and the people are great,” Billy said.

He hopes one day he can return the generosities others have shown him.

Other Stories

Food Insecurity Strikes Veteran

Food insecurity can exist among anyone, even those who sacrificed and have become military veterans. Bobby, from a small town called Coon Island, knew it was in the cards for…
Read More

There When Needed

As part of the region’s disaster relief team, Southeast Missouri Food Bank is always at the ready. After an EF3 tornado struck Fredericktown, Mo., damaging homes and business and leaving…
Read More

ABC Mobile Blessing

With three children ages 5 years to 2 months old, Kassy has her hands full, especially when it comes to food in the household. “My two-year-old eats the most, he’s…
Read More

Thankful For Community Outreach

Sheila and Pat, sisters from Charleston, stopped to talk while getting food at a mobile food pantry in Charleston. Sheila had previously contracted COVID-19 and had her hours at works…
Read More

Classroom “Produces” Results

When a local high school agriculture teacher was left with an abundance of corn from his students’ crops, he turned to Southeast Missouri Food Bank. Jeremy Angotti is a farmer…
Read More

Life Can Instantly Change

Life can change in an instant. One day you’re healthy, then the next you’re partially paralyzed. Daniel, from Wayne County, was a jack-of-all-trades working as a carpenter, electrician and a…
Read More