When Korrina and her family packed up their lives in Riverside County, California, and moved to Arizona this past March, they were seeking stability — a fresh start and a more affordable place to raise their three kids.
For a moment, everything seemed to fall into place. Within a month, they found an apartment, and both Korrina and her husband secured jobs — she at Amazon and he at a local warehouse. But soon after, Korrina was laid off. Overnight, their family went from two incomes to one.
“With the cost of moving, setting up our home, and trying to make ends meet on one paycheck, it was really hard,” she said. “This place helped us tremendously.”
That “place” is St. Mary’s Food Bank, where Korrina first arrived in May. She’s been coming back ever since — not just for food, but also for peace of mind.
“They give great quality food,” Karina said. “We’ve been to other food banks before, but St. Mary’s doesn’t give you rotten stuff — it’s always good fruits and vegetables, canned goods, meat, everything. Even our little weenie dog gets food sometimes!”
Her kids, ages 17, 11, and 10, look forward to the visits, too — especially her daughter, who loves picking out the spicy chips from the pantry shelves.
Korrina’s gratitude for donors is heartfelt. “Thank you,” she said. “Going from two incomes to one, with three kids and just starting over, finding this place was extremely helpful. Especially now, when grocery prices are so high — this makes such a difference.”
For Korrina, the food bank has meant more than just providing meals. It’s been a reminder that even when life takes unexpected turns, there’s a community ready to help you bounce back.
