Stories of Hunger

Rising food costs due to COVID-19 are especially hard for people like JoAnn, who lives on a fixed income. The Ste. Genevieve woman receives Social Security and SNAP (food stamp) benefits, but it’s not enough for her and her veteran roommate to live on. 

“Hamburger is more than $6 (a pound). Pork steaks are more than $6. I don’t know how they think people can live,” JoAnn said.  

When COVID-19 hit, JoAnn started seeking help at Heavenly Hope, a local faith-based community outreach organization that partners with Southeast Missouri Food Bank to hold mobile food pantries.  

“This is excellent, especially for the elderly people. The elderly and people with big families need this the most,” she said.  

After receiving food and seeing how many other people showed up for food assistance, JoAnn felt compelled to help so she started volunteering.  

“God told me to come and help because they needed it,” she said. 

She encourages others to do the same. 

“Come help out and bless whoever you can bless,” JoAnn said.