John and Reba’s Story

As a former logger, John, a 59-year-old North Idaho resident, was accustomed to physical labor.

But when a work-related accident broke his neck and damaged six disks in his back, a series of surgeries was unable to restore his capacity to work full-time without constant pain.

Today, Reba and John get by on his disability and her Social Security — buying their clothes at thrift stores and otherwise pinching pennies. Keeping on top of medical bills creates constant challenges for the couple and John is now facing yet another surgery.

“We’re still struggling because of all the doctor things. I pray a lot and that helps,” says Reba, his 69-year-old wife.

Living in a rural area, the couple uses more fuel to get to and from doctor appointments than city dwellers. But with gas prices at a record high, Reba says they now set multiple appointments for the same day and scrutinize every trip in the car. The couple recently opted to cancel a planned trip to see a longtime friend in Central Washington because the gas to and from his house would have cost $100.

“It’s getting where you don’t have any extra money to go anywhere,” she explains.

For the past two years, the couple has received help from the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Food Distribution Program. The program serves people of varying races, many from surrounding rural areas where accessing help is challenging. At the center, located in Worley, Idaho, Reba and John get produce, dairy, bread and other fresh foods that are provided by Second Harvest.

“It’s a lot of stuff that you couldn’t afford to buy,” Reba says.

The asparagus, cucumbers and ice cream the couple received at a recent distribution supplements their purchased groceries and helps them get through the month, she says, making it less painful when they have to buy new shoes and other necessities.

“We like to come here,” Reba says. “There’s good products and good service from what I’ve seen. I enjoy the people too.”

HOME : ABOUT US : SPOKANE'S HUNGRY : HOW TO HELP : GET HELP : PRESS ROOM : TRI-CITIES : EVENTS
1234 EAST FRONT AVENUE SPOKANE WA 99202-2148 : TELEPHONE 509.534.6678 : FAX 509.534.8252
© 2012 SECOND HARVEST. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED