A series of events in 2019 and the following year led Roberta White to the Cuba Food Pantry. Her husband lost his job, a death in the family, and her cancer diagnosis.

"The whole year was about medical, and it took a lot of gas to go to appointments and radiation daily for a month," says Roberta.

Her family's food assistance from the food pantry at the Cuba Christian Church gave her encouragement.
"We are so grateful to the church and all the volunteers. There are too many to name. They all became family and friends," says Roberta. "My goal is to be well enough to volunteer someday."

The Cuba Food Pantry receives food, without charge, from Midwest Food Bank Peoria. Some of the food Roberta and her family received came from MFB. It was not only the food but the label on the can that helped Roberta and her family.
"People like Roberta are the reason MFB is here," says Monica Scheuer, Executive Director of MFB Peoria. "We are blessed to be able to share food and hope with her."

"Midwest Food Bank puts a Bible verse on the cans of food as encouragement," says Roberta. "I put it on my hand where I can see it throughout the day or in the window, so I see it while I'm doing dishes."

The Cuba Food Pantry, located in Fulton County, is a rural community of about 1,300 people.