New mother thanks you

“Coming to the pantry has definitely been a help for us,” said Alexis, the proud new mother of two-month-old Roknor. 

Alexis had a difficult delivery with her son. She hemorrhaged, needed transfusions and battled infection. She has finally recovered, but the family budget hasn’t. 

The family also includes her husband, who works full-time as a welder, and a growing 12-year-old stepson. Alexis said they save by cutting phone service and not eating out, but “money is still tight.”  

“Insurance has gone up. Groceries have gone up,” she said. “It’s $80 a week in gas just for my husband to commute to work.” 

At Creston Area Food Pantry, a Food Bank of Iowa partner, Alexis can stock up on frozen fruit, vegetables and spinach to make nutrition-packed smoothies. Her family also enjoys green onions, broccoli and chicken. She said she loves to fix fresh asparagus when it’s in season.  

Alexis dreams of starting her own home-based business someday — embellishing clothing. But in the meantime, she said she appreciates the extra food and hope her family receives at the pantry.  

Without the worry of where they’ll find their next meal, they are able to manage paying for other necessities, including utilities and transportation.  

“Please keep it up,” Alexis said. “You’re doing a great job.”