Client Spotlight : Julia

“Our finances took a hit when I was laid off from my job with the Newton Public Schools during Covid and without the freedge and the Newton Food Pantry we just wouldn’t be able to afford all the fresh fruits, vegetables and meats we now get,” she says.

“I used to go to the grocery store and buy frozen vegetables and junk food because it was cheaper. Now we’re able to make really good, balanced meals and healthy foods.”

Julia says the fact that there are new food items added every time she visits is “really nice” so “we’re not eating the same thing every week.” 

Her visits on Thursday afternoons — an additional time recently added to meet the growing challenge of food insecurity in Newton — have become a family affair, as she brings along her preschooler and middle schooler.

“The volunteers now know their names and are always asking me ‘how are they doing,’’’ Julia says. “It just really makes me feel welcome. I’m not anxious anymore. I try not to, but I get a little teary eyed that there are still good people in this world.”

Her eldest daughter especially “loves the Kids’ Bags which pretty much takes care of her snacks for the week.” The bags include milk and juice boxes, breakfast biscuits and macaroni and cheese. After they finish their shopping, Julia and her daughter sit down together and decorate white Kids’ Bags for the next group of families. “I know it’ll bring smiles to their faces, and we’re able to give back and pay it forward,” Julia says.

Julia, a relative newcomer to the Newton Food Pantry, has been actively singing its praises to others facing financial challenges. “I’ve told other people who I know are in the same situation I’m in that there are ways to get help and not feel bad about it.”

“Not one person at the Newton Food Pantry has ever made me feel little or bad about my decision to come here. Right now, we’re getting the help we need. Hopefully, once we’re in a good place (financially), we can help somebody else.” Julia says.