Renee's Story

It has been a tough few months for Renee and her husband.

“We got laid off so we are struggling to put food on the table and pay our bills,” said Renee, the mother of four daughters ages 3, 6, 7 and 12.

After her spouse was laid off from a construction job three months ago, Renee lost her position as a preschool teacher – just a few weeks later. The housing market collapse put a halt to most new construction in the area. The job losses and pay cuts for employment sectors throughout the community resulted in families having less money to pay for preschool, causing a decline in enrollment and job cuts where Renee worked.

Now Renee’s family is scrambling to hold onto their home and put food on the table.

“I have to get creative with rice and beans,” said Renee, who is hoping to get unemployment benefits.

When Second Harvest brought its Mobile Food Bank to West Central Community Center in Spokane recently, Renee was able to get a mix of fresh apples, peaches, potatoes, tomatoes, watermelon, apple chips and bread to feed her children.

The family has been getting assistance through the food bank at Our Place, a Second Harvest partner. Although this was their first time visiting the Mobile Food Bank, Renee said the fresh produce would be a hit with the girls, adding, “Apples are a favorite.”

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