“I’ve never had to ask before.”

Our friends, family and neighbors continue to lose their jobs, and, as a result, many seek food assistance for the first time. Do you know someone who needs help with food?

Here are a few suggestions on how to ease possible tensions and/or embarrassment:

• Help them navigate through all the available resources. It may seem daunting, but it’s worth the effort.
• Create a packet of information, including food pantry locations, 2-1-1 info, Food Stamp application and upcoming job fairs (if applicable) and give it to them.
• Let them know they’re not alone – 40 percent more people are receiving food assistance (than this time last year), many for the first time.
• Tell them that some food pantries, like CAFB East Austin Service Center, have a client choice program that allows you to choose what you want. Receiving food there is much like going to the grocery store.

For more information on available resources, click here.