In the wake of the pandemic that shuttered schools and businesses, many Montgomery County families and individuals are making hard decisions — pay the bills or buy groceries?

We met Tania, her children Cassie and David, and David’s girlfriend, Marina, at the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe.

Tania is unable to work because she has lupus and other serious health issues which requires her to receive dialysis three times a week. Good nutrition is vital to protect her health.

But paying rent and bills sometimes leaves the family with little left to buy groceries, so getting help from their local food pantry has been a huge relief for them.

They especially enjoy receiving bread and fresh fruit and are able to stretch the food they receive from the pantry for up to three weeks!

Tania shared, that without help from the food pantry, they would simply have to eat less. She and her family are deeply grateful for the support from friends like you this holiday season. “Thank you for helping us,” Tania says. “[You] helped us when it was most needed.”

*Children’s names have been changed to protect identity.