Heather Thomas has spent her life giving to others. Whether through her career in social services, her work as a member of our Client Leadership Council, or her family’s holiday traditions, Heather has always been a champion of empathy and kindness.
Even as someone deeply familiar with helping others, Heather never expected to find herself in need of support. When life took an unexpected turn, she discovered how challenging it can be to navigate food insecurity and poverty, and how vital it is to have a voice in shaping solutions.
When she was pregnant with her twin daughters, Olivia and Victoria, Heather faced significant health complications that left her unable to work. Shortly after, her husband Andre, a combat veteran, lost his small business. That was the instant when her family went from financial stability to facing food insecurity. Despite Heather and Andre’s education and years of work, “we went from not thinking about food, and being able to buy whatever food we needed, to becoming food insecure,” Heather explained.
Heather quickly learned the sacrifices that come with living on a limited budget. “You get very protective of the food because you can’t just go out there and get exactly what you want,” she said. “Sometimes parents don’t eat, or they eat very little, so their kids can eat.”
Those challenges grew when the pandemic-era expansion of SNAP benefits came to an end, resulting in her family losing nearly $600 a month in benefits. Soon after those cuts kicked in, Heather noticed her 13-year-old son trying to eat less to stretch the remaining food budget for the benefit of his parents and siblings. This caused headaches, mood swings, and difficulties concentrating in school. This heartbreaking reality illustrates how challenges in accessing enough to eat can ripple through families, causing immediate and long-term harm.
Heather relied on her professional expertise to keep her family afloat. She became her own family’s case manager, connecting with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, one of our partner agencies. There, she accessed supplemental groceries and holiday food baskets, allowing her family to have fresh produce and festive meals during difficult times.
Despite the hardships her family has faced, Heather’s spirit of giving remains unwavering. She and her husband are teaching their four children to prioritize helping others. Together, they collect coats and food for neighbors in need, making giving a part of their year-round tradition.
“My kids are always on the lookout for people they can help,” Heather said. “We try to make the holidays about others, not ourselves.”
Heather’s story is a testament to the spirit of generosity that thrives even in the face of hardship. It’s also a reminder that food insecurity can tough anyone, and that access to support — whether through local pantries, government assistance programs, or other community-based assistance — is essential for helping families navigate life’s challenges.