Jonathan R. takes his role as a dad seriously. “As a man, as a father, you never want to let go of the responsibility of taking care of your family,” he says. For Jonathan, supporting his three kids is a big part of who he is.
Managing expenses can be tough. “When it comes to dealing with education, you have to buy book bags, materials, clothing, all these things… ” Jonathan explains. “These kids grow within three to four months. They don’t fit their shoes no more. So, you got to keep spending money on shoes and clothes.”
Despite working hard, Jonathan struggles to keep up. “I, for one, could eat a bag of chips and they last me a week. My kids can’t go through that. They need to be healthy and strong,” he says.
When Jonathan first stumbled upon Food Bank For New York City’s Mobile Pantry distribution in the Bronx, he was surprised to see free, nutritious food being given away for free. He’d never heard of Food Bank For NYC but was excited to grab fresh produce for his kids. He’s been going ever since and says the Mobile Pantry has been a lifesaver for him and his family.
“This means to me at this very moment, everything,” Jonathan says about the pantry’s help. It’s also given him a chance to keep his dignity. “People want to hold their dignity intact… When you have a family… you have to reach out for resources.”
Thanks to the pantry, Jonathan can breathe a sigh of relief. “I don’t have to [beg] today. I can just come on the line, get food and go home and rest.” Food Bank’s support helps him lead by example and provide a better life for his kids.
“We appreciate the resources. It can go a long way, and I speak here for hours because when you’re happy, the world seems a bit brighter.”