Client Spotlight: Bianca Rameau

But just 20 days after they moved here, Bianca received the unfortunate news that she had been laid off from her job as a manager at a home security company. It was a shock, and she and her husband quickly pivoted to adjust to one income. SNAP benefits helped, but then her husband got a raise and their benefits were reduced, then eliminated. Feeling stuck with limited options for how to make ends meet, Bianca met with a friend who told her about the Newton Food Pantry. 

At first, Bianca was reluctant to become a client. “I am not used to asking for help, but as a Christian I knew that the Lord was telling me that there is no shame or condemnation for those who seek help when in crisis,” she says. 

In January, Bianca met Jeff Lemberg, Newton Food Pantry’s executive director, at a FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and was blown away by his kindness and passion for helping those struggling with food insecurity. She took it as a positive sign.

Bianca’s first experience visiting the Newton Food Pantry was pleasantly surprising, she says. Everyone she interacted with was kind and helpful, and the pantry itself was clean and organized. It also had a great selection of fresh and healthy foods — including many of the staples her son, who has autism, favors.

She says she still felt shame for needing to seek assistance. However, Bianca was moved to intentionally shift her internal narrative. In choosing to embrace gratitude, she says her interactions with clients, employees and volunteers at the pantry became even more personal and joyful. She says she realized too that “there is an overwhelming sense of compassion that flows from everyone I talk to at the pantry, and a shared belief that these challenging situations are not forever. They are temporary, and that when we can, we can all give.” 

To that end, Bianca recently found herself in a position to give back. After witnessing Haitian refugees temporarily sheltering at Logan airport — her family immigrated from Haiti to the U.S. before she was born — she and a friend were inspired to raise money to buy food for the people to share; they have now delivered food multiple times. Bianca hopes her story and message will assure those in need that there is no shame in accepting help, and also inspire those who can afford to give time or money.

“There is always a blessing in doing good for others!”