Kari's Story

Like most mothers, when Kari arrives at Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ Melzer Pantry, she’s already thinking about the other “to-dos” she’ll have to tackle before bed that evening. This stop wasn’t one she had planned this week, but when the contents of her fridge could barely sustain one person let alone a household of five, she knew she needed some help. . .

Rich slowly rises from his seat at KLF’s Melzer Pantry and grabs his walker. The woman next to him rises, too, guiding him by chairs of people to take his turn to shop for groceries. The pantry volunteer assisting Rich takes the piece of paper he’s holding that outlines the food allotments for a household of one. . . .

James is still struggling with his decision to seek help. A food pantry is not a place he wants to be, but he's determined to improve his situation for the future.

Dave and Cheryl have been married for over 20 years. During their time together, they’ve experienced things most couples have: good times, bad times, and moments that have tested their confidence in their abilities to provide for themselves.