Client Spotlight: Olabisi Animashaun

It was almost three years ago when F.B. moved from the United Kingdom to join her two daughters and three grandsons in Newton. “It is a special time of life, being a part of their lives here in the United States,” she says, “but I do not wish to be a financial burden on my family.”

One of her daughters has been involved with collecting and delivering food donations to the Newton Community freedge. Understanding that F.B. values autonomy but operates on a retiree’s budget, she suggested that her mother consider becoming a client of the Newton Food Pantry. F.B. says she was apprehensive at first, but decided to pay a visit to see the pantry with her own eyes. She hasn’t looked back.

“The Newton Food Pantry is a godsend,” says F.B. “When I am shopping, I see people of all ages and races getting the help they need. No one should feel hesitant to access help if they are struggling, and that’s exactly why the Newton Food Pantry exists: to help. The people who work and volunteer give great respect to the people whom they are serving, and everyone I encounter makes me feel so at ease.”

F.B. says she loves that she is able to bring home all the ingredients she needs to cook her favorite eggplant and potato curry, as well as various fresh salads. “And then there are the things I bring home that are totally new to me, such as beetroot, which I now love to boil and eat.” She uses the eggs she receives to make cookies and cakes for her grandsons — ages 7, 8 and 9 — which they really enjoy.

It also delights F.B. when she sees children shopping at the Newton Food Pantry with their parents. “The Kids’ Bags seem to be a huge hit with the little ones, and the women are always grateful to access personal hygiene products and baby diapers. I’m grateful to live in such a caring community.”