b'Stories of HopeKelly brings home bags of fresh healthy food for her family every month thanks to the Medway Village Food Pantry, a GBFB partner agency. Your Donation Strengthens CommunitiesWhen Kellys husband lost his job at the height of the 2008Eastern Massachusetts served by The Greater Boston financial crisis, she wondered how she would be able toFood Bank (GBFB). keep feeding her two young children. Kellys husband is now working full-time again. They I was in tears when it happened, Kelly said. My husband madereceive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program a good living and I was worried about my kids going hungry. benefits (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) and still use the pantry about once a week. She looked up resources online and found the Medway Village Food Pantry, located a short drive from her home. Its expensive to live in Massachusetts. Im able to pay one or two extra bills with the money I save coming here, she said.Kelly has also lost about 60 pounds in the last few years Im able to pay one to two extra billsand attributes it to exercise and the healthy food she gets with the money I save coming here. at the pantry.- Kelly We get carrots and green beans, chicken, pastaI always bake the chicken, never fried, she said. Walking into the food pantry was the hardest thing I everKelly said the pantry is more than just a place to get food, had to do, she said. Im usually the one donating to theits a place where the community can support each other. pantry, not using it.Her son and daughter, now aged 18 and 19, sometimes come to volunteer at the pantry. On her first visit, however, Kelly said she felt welcomed, loved and a sense of community. My son built the sign outside for his Eagle Scout project, she added.I was relieved to put food on the table for my kids, she said. The pantry has been huge for us, Theyve seen me at The Medway Food Pantry is one of the more than 500many different stages of my life, Kelly said. I feel blessed pantries, meal programs and emergency shelters inand thankful for this place.3'