We don’t always get to meet the people we serve or hear real stories of their daily lives. Often, the food is delivered, the groceries are carried home, and life quietly continues. But behind every bag, every box, every meal is a family like the ODonnells, a family whose story helps us understand why giving matters so deeply.
When we met this beautiful family, you wouldn’t have known they were struggling. Their children are bright, respectful, and full of personality. They carry themselves with joy and curiosity. Join us to take glimpse into their life, and how support helps carry their family through every day challenges.
A Family Finding Their Way
Courtney and Ben have been married for twelve years, raising two children: a daughter in 6th grade and a son in 2nd grade. Ben is home with the kids for now, faithfully managing school routines while searching for work. A job loss, combined with his past incarceration and Courtney’s history of addiction is hard to overcome, but not impossible.
“I found out that rock bottom has a basement.”
– Courtney
For a time, they were steady. The family went two full years without needing pantry assistance. Growing up, Courtney remembers food pantries being a constant part of her childhood. Her mom relied on them regularly, and the rhythm of receiving food assistance became normal. The only break came during a short season with her father before she turned 15, one of the few times she recalls not needing extra help.
That history shaped her perspective. She knows what it feels like to depend on pantries, and she also knows the pride of being able to step away from them. For two years, she and Ben managed without help, building a rhythm of work, school, and church life. Returning for assistance hasn’t been easy, but she approaches it with gratitude rather than shame.
At the grocery store, Courtney is intentional. Aldi is her main stop, where she searches for coupons, discounts, and package deals. Sometimes that means buying less and making food stretch. She has learned to be resourceful, but also recognizes that resourcefulness only goes so far. Even with her planning, there are weeks when her paycheck won’t stretch far enough. That’s when the pantry becomes part of their story again.
Like many families, the ODonnell children also benefit from support through their schools. Programs such as Hope Packs help provide food when the cafeteria closes for the weekend. Hunger doesn’t stop when school is out, and for students facing food insecurity, those days without guaranteed meals can be the hardest. Hope Packs are filled with nutritious, easy-to-open food that children can manage on their own.
The Joy of Simple Things for the Kids
During their visit to Midwest Food Bank, Courtney noticed a few very large bags filled with pasta, pretzels, and cereal. Some food arrives in clear packaging, repackaged by hand from bulk shipments. She asked about it and now wants her family to be part of the process. She told us she hopes to volunteer at the pantry, giving back to the same system that gave so much to her family.
Her daughter lights up when pretzels in a plain white bag show up, her favorite snack. On another visit, they received pizza so good that Courtney called her niece, who also receives pantry food, just to tell her what brand it was. Those small joys bring normalcy and even excitement into their routine.
What Makes a Food Pantry Feel Like Home
The family has visited more than one pantry, and they’ve learned that each one is different. Some simply hand out a well-appreciated, pre-packed box at the door. Others create space for conversation, prayer, and choice.
For Courtney, the difference is unmistakable. She prefers the pantries that take time to listen, to pray, and to treat her family as more than a number in line. A shopping-style setup, where she can choose what her family needs most, feels more dignified than receiving a box filled with items that may or may not fit their household.
“It’s not just about food,” he shared, “it’s about being seen.”
– Ben
That experience of being cared for, welcomed, listened to, and prayed with, is what sets certain pantries apart. It transforms a difficult moment into one of fellowship. And it’s possible because of the support of volunteers and donors who make it a priority to serve with dignity, not just distribution.
Using the System Only When it’s Needed
Sometimes, people assume families abuse the system, taking food they don’t really need. The ODonnells’ story challenges that assumption. They stayed away for years, only returning when they truly had no choice. Sometimes it’s just an end-of-the-month decision, when the paycheck is no longer enough.
Our support ensures that when families like theirs need help again, they aren’t met with closed doors. They’re met with fellowship, dignity, and nourishment.
