Everyone gets hungry. But for some, meeting those needs is not always a reality. Shauna, a native Washingtonian, is no stranger to this struggle. Growing up in an area with a high cost of living, Shauna says “food insecurity has been a constant presence” in her life. And as a parent to three children with special needs, Shauna faces unique challenges that require her full attention as a caretaker, while her husband works full time to support their family.
“One income, in this society right now, is really just holding on for dear life,” Shauna says.
Our latest Hunger Report found that food-insecure residents in the Greater Washington region are just as likely to be employed as those who are food secure. The misconception that hunger is a result of not working hard enough is not reality and Shauna’s story is a testament to this truth.
Shauna strives to provide nutritious meals that meet her children’s specific dietary needs, but balancing nutrition with affordability is a constant battle. Her and her husband sometimes make the difficult tradeoff to eat less so their children can have more. Shauna says groceries from the food bank and resources provided from other assistance programs make it possible to nourish her children in a way that might otherwise be out of reach.
“If it wasn’t for the food banks, I know that my children may not have had the proper nutrition that they need,” Shauna says.
Shauna hopes to challenge the stigma that hunger only affects certain people, emphasizing that there are often invisible reasons why someone may face food insecurity. “Hunger is something that you don’t see. It’s not something that you see on a person and know they’re hungry,” she says. “A lot of times it takes a lot for a person to tell you that they’re hungry or that their family is hungry or that they’re suffering, just because of the stigma.”
Despite these challenges, Shauna holds onto hope that her children will grow up in a more empathetic community, one that understands the nuances of hunger and where seeking help isn’t met with stigma. “Even when things get hard, we’re making sure our children have a better tomorrow.”
Shauna’s story was part of the food bank’s “Hunger is Here” public service announcement campaign. Through video, print and digital ads, the campaign highlights the experiences of our neighbors facing food insecurity. Learn more by going to HungerIsHere.org.
Photo credit: Allison Shelley