Client Spotlight: Alina Lofik 

In the case of Alina who emigrated from Ukraine in 2005 and moved to Newton two years later, the food she gets from the Newton Food Pantry is also indirectly helping families still living in the embattled Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.

“I’m able to save a little money every month because my food costs are much lower thanks to everything I receive from the Newton Food Pantry. I’m able to send that money to family members in Ukraine so they can afford food,” Alina says.

Like so many other new immigrants, Alina, a former civil engineer who worked on building a Jewish Cultural Center for senior citizens in Kharkiv, couldn’t use her skills in this country.

Recently, she found herself in difficult financial straits, as increasing rent and food prices stretched an already tight budget.

“Although I have some friends who spoke very highly about the Newton Food Pantry and recommended I go, it wasn’t an easy decision. I had always managed okay until recently and was nervous about seeking help. I wish I knew about the Newton Food Pantry earlier. I love everything about it. I’m treated with respect, and the quality of the produce and meat have been wonderful. I expected leftovers and food others didn’t want and that certainly hasn’t been the case.”

“I especially love the canned fish “Shproty” and the Viola cheese, as in my younger years in Ukraine they were real treats that people would only eat during holidays,” Alina says. Thanks to the culturally relevant food offerings at the Newton Food Pantry, Alina says it “feels like a holiday” every visit.