Maria is raising her two sons — Alonso, 4, and Isaac, 2 — on her own in Conroe. She loves the boys dearly and does her very best to provide for them. Maria works as a veterinarian technician, but with just one income, affording her family’s expenses can be tough.

Between rent, utility bills, gasoline and her car payment, Maria often struggles to afford food. She admits she sometimes misses meals to make sure her kids have enough to eat.

Maria has applied for SNAP benefits, but until they come through, she is relieved to be able to pick up food from the pantry at First Christian Church, which partners with the Montgomery County Food Bank.

“[The pantry] keeps me from purchasing cheap processed food,” Maria says.

Isaac and Alonso love the strawberries their mom brings home from First Christian Church, and Maria feels good about filling their plates with healthy options.

She says the holidays are a really difficult time of year, and she is so glad she and her boys will be able to share a special meal together.

“Thank you for your support,” she says to friends like you.