Each morning, Gayla begins her day with a call to her 83-year-old mother. After that, she drives 30 miles to take her 13-year-old daughter to school before going to take care of her mother. As a devoted mother and daughter, Gayla’s days are full, but her heart is fuller.

Because her mother’s health requires frequent care, Gayla isn’t able to work full time. Her husband’s income helps, but it’s often not enough to cover all their needs, especially when the cost of food began to rise. A family friend had encouraged her to visit a Food Bank Community Partner. Though she was hesitant at first, she’s grateful she did.

“The food helps, especially at the end of the month,” Gayla said.

The groceries she receives help stretch her budget, which helps her save money for expenses such as buying gas.

“It helps me save for the gas I need to take my daughter to school,” she told us.

Cooking is one of Gayla’s greatest joys, and she’s known among her family and friends as a talented cook. A few weeks ago, she received shrimp, rice, and cheese from a distribution and turned them into a family favorite, cheesy shrimp and rice.

For Gayla, food is more than nourishment. It’s an expression of love and care that connects her with her family.

“I want to see my daughter graduate and go to college. She needs to be a lawyer because she loves to argue,” she joked.