I had a refrigerator go out over the weekend. Came back home and had lost all of my food. And I had to go to the pantry. I’ve used it a few times. I don’t go every month. I’ve only used it when I really had to. We didn’t have food. We were down to canned goods and spices. Everything else in my refrigerator was lost. If it wasn’t for that, I don’t know what I would have done. I don’t like to borrow or get handouts either. But it’s good to know there’s somewhere you can go for help if you need it, and you’re not taking from somebody else’s kids or table. I’ve also had to use utility assistance. I was out of work and didn’t have enough money to do everything. Sometimes it gets down to, ‘Am I going to pay this or am I going to pay that?’ If there are resources, they can help you. It helped keep me from being in the dark.

Our communities are only as strong as our people. And our people — our families, friends, and neighbors — are strong when they have access to the food, shelter, health care, and economic support they need to lead healthy lives. This is true no matter who you are or where you live. When we look out for one another, we all see #TheNetBenefit. Learn more about access to health care in Missouri.