June 19, 2015 – When Manuel Zuniga talks about his two children, you can hear the gratitude in every word. With their encouragement, this Brooklyn dad adopted a healthier lifestyle that will add years to his life. “My daughter Ashley and my son Sean gave me the strength to stop smoking and to eat healthy,” says Manuel. “They are more important to me than anything and I have to stay healthy for them. I don’t want to get diabetes, high blood pressure or worse.”
But he didn’t do it alone. Like millions of other New Yorkers, Manuel’s family struggles to make ends meet. With a household income of under $25,000, the Zunigas rely on Los Sures, a Food Bank For New York City member agency in their neighborhood, to help stretch their limited food budget. “It’s important that my family not only has a roof over their heads, but that they can eat,” says Manuel. “I first came to Los Sures five years ago for help with a housing issue. While I was there, they told me that they had a pantry. I like that you can choose what foods you want at their pantry. Other places give you a bag of food and you have to take what you get.”
Manuel also attends nutrition workshops at Los Sures and it’s had a huge impact on his health. “The nutritionist helped me learn the importance of eating right and how to do it. If you eat healthy you’ll live longer.” Being able to use his new knowledge at the pantry is making a real difference in how the family eats: more fresh produce and lean proteins. “At the Los Sures pantry there are many different vegetables to choose from,” says Manuel. “And there’s chicken, fish, pork and turkey. I can even get basil, cilantro and other fresh herbs. It’s awesome.”
During one of his visits he happened to notice Los Sures’ hydroponic farm. “That really caught my interest,” says Manuel, who now volunteers at the farm regularly. He’s also involved in a community farm in his neighborhood, where he gets to grow some of his own vegetables.
Although times may still be tough for Manuel and his family, he’s thankful for the help of Los Sures and the love of his children. “Although they’re all grown up, when I look at my kids I still see my little boy and girl,” he says. “I’m the lucky one.”