“I used to be able to fill up my refrigerator for $150,” says Laritza. “But not any more because everything’s so expensive.”

Laritza and her husband moved here from Honduras, determined to build a better life. While waiting for his work permit, her husband takes on whatever jobs he can find, but it’s still challenging to make ends meet.

As a full-time caregiver for their children, Laritza focuses on their wellbeing and looking for ways to ensure her family is well nourished. She’s grateful to have learned about the food distribution at Bethel’s Heavenly Hands, one of Houston Food Bank’s dedicated community partners, through the church and says this is her fourth visit.

“I’m just grateful,” she says. “Thanks to Heavenly Hands, we’ve been able to get by. The support has alleviated our budget, so now all we have to really worry about is our rent and bills.”

Laritza says her kids love it too: “They ask me, ‘When can we go to Heavenly Hands to get food?’ They really look forward to it, and they love everything I bring home.”

“I’m really grateful that we were able to find this program,” she says. “It really makes a difference. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

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