Robert and Linda are proud Arizona natives with roots that run deep, Robert’s great-grandparents settled in Phoenix in the late 1800s, and Linda’s grandfather arrived in 1916 when the city’s population was just 20,000. The two met as young students, graduated from the same small school, and went on to run a dairy farm together, continuing a family legacy of hard work and dedication.
They raised four children, though heartbreakingly only one survives. And like many older adults living on a fixed income, Robert and Linda now face more than just rising costs; they’re navigating retirement with health issues, limited Social Security, and the uncertainty that comes with outliving savings.
“We were dairy farmers until we went broke,” Robert shared. “Some years were good, and some years we had to borrow just to make it to the next season.”
Linda added, “We saved and saved, but I don’t think anyone can save enough anymore. It’s so hard unless you’re one of the lucky ones.”
That’s where you come in.
Thanks to your generosity, Robert and Linda receive food boxes filled with items they can turn into hearty, homemade meals. Canned vegetables, beans, cereal, oatmeal — even the occasional bag of potatoes or ground beef — help stretch their budget and fill their pantry with comfort and stability.
“We’re bean eaters,” Linda said with a smile. “The vegetables, the cereal, the pantry staples they make a big difference. I even learned to make apple butter and peanut butter cookies with what we get. I don’t waste anything.”
Beyond the food, what means the most is the kindness they’ve experienced.
“We’ve always been treated with respect at St. Mary’s,” said Linda. “That matters more than people know.”
As Linda put it plainly, “If something happens to Robert, I’m not sure I could make it on my own. But right now, this support is keeping us afloat.”
Because of your compassion, Robert and Linda don’t have to face hunger alone. Thank you for being part of their story.
