Client Spotlight: Jeremy Renner

“I was working exclusively with international students,” Jeremy says. “Then when visas were put on hold, my work dried up. I was ok for a while,” he continues, “until things started going downhill, and I couldn’t pay my rent.”

As a member of Newton’s professional community, Jeremy was ambivalent about seeking help in a place where he might be recognized. “It’s embarrassing. I’ll be at the food pantry as a client, and see people volunteering who know me from work,” he says. “I’ll pull my baseball cap down so they don’t see me. But I can’t worry about it. I just have to put food on the table.”

In an effort to better understand its clientele, Jeremy was recently invited by the Newton Food Pantry to participate in a focus group. “I didn’t really want to be interviewed. I couldn’t really prepare for the conversation, dealing with so many things, including depression. It was kind of a low point,” he recalls somberly. “But the pantry does so much for me. I really wanted to do something.” It turned out to be a surprisingly positive experience: “During those conversations, it occurred to me how much I love the pantry. Everyone is so nice. I can’t say enough good things. It’s a safe space. It’s a huge help. I had so many problems, and they made all the difference.” 

Because of his previous cancer diagnosis, Jeremy follows a vegan diet. “With all the variety, it’s so great. People immediately started to figure out what would work for me and what I would like. There’s always something there for me. I get dried shiitake mushrooms and broccoli. People think they can’t be vegan because they need protein. I have some recipes using food from the pantry that I love that have plenty of protein.” See recipe cards below.

Jeremy has started working part-time again, but financially things are still tough. “I’m trying to get back to where I can pay my bills reliably. I missed a few payments on my life insurance, and they told me I had to reapply, so I did, and since I had cancer, they said they wouldn’t cover me.”  Jeremy is working with a credit counselor to negotiate with creditors and reduce his debt, which has been a game-changer. At the same time, he realizes, “Every day is a gift. Surviving cancer was a huge thing. Twelve years ago they gave me 5–7 years. Now I’m cancer free. And I’m so proud of my daughters. I realize that love is the only thing that’s real and everything else is an illusion.”  

Jeremy has even found his way to helping others. “If there’s leftover food, I’ll bring it to the freedge. I think the freedge is amazing. I’m dropping off and picking up at the same time. It’s incredible.”