Meet Daniel
We met Daniel shopping on his lunch break at one of our mobile food pantries, set up every other Friday in a hilly neighborhood in Stamford.
About three months ago, Daniel was on his way to work and decided to check out the pantry, “I saw a lot of people here, and I said, oh, what is that for? How does this work? This is for the community, they told me. And I said, whoa – wow – wonderful!”
He easily chats with the people in line, smiling as he does. He even steps in to translate for Spanish speaking guests as they want to thank Connecticut Foodshare for the fresh food they value so much.
Daniel works full time and has a family. Even with steady work, groceries are expensive, and the mobile pantry helps his family stretch their budget.
"I’m a maintenance technician, a regular employee, full-time. It’s going to be one year, one year already! Even if you got great pay, if you get something like this, it’s helping you a lot. I’m renting, and it’s a lot of bills to get taken care of. You can go to the supermarket and two bags [cost] $80 easily. It’s crazy everywhere! I have a little girl, she’s 14, and another is 17."
Because the pantry is set up in the parking lot next to the apartment building where he works, it’s easy for him to access.
“I have a lot of friends here. It’s a nice community. A big percent of people are retired, and a lot of little kids.”
Daniel says the support makes a big difference for his family, and he’s thankful for everything the team of volunteers makes possible. “It is a big help, let me tell you. Thank you guys for everything you do!”
