Sylvia’s Story
April 2023
“After the change in SNAP, I am now getting only $37 a month
to supplement food for my family.”
This past March, nearly 16 million households in America had a reduction in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, leaving many families scrambling to make ends meet in an already difficult economic climate. More than 80% of SNAP recipients are working families, people with disabilities, or seniors. Two thirds of these households include children. The reduction in benefits coupled with the rising cost of groceries have led families, many with single working-mothers, to turn to the San Antonio Food Bank for support.
Sylvia is a single working mom of 3 hard-working children. Working in the medical field for over 20 years, she proclaims that her calling has always been a life of servitude. Sylvia met her spouse at work, and together the two of them decided to adopt. In 2007, they bought their first house and adopted 3 children. Sylvia stated “the next few years were the greatest years of my life.”
However, after a few years, their doctor diagnosed Sylvia’s spouse with kidney failure, and in 2021 Sylvia lost the love of her life. Heartbroken and finding herself down to one income, Sylvia enrolled in SNAP to help provide for her family, stating “As a mom, my children are my top priority.” When her kids were old enough, they started to work to help with the bills and mortgage. “To this day all 3 of my children are in college, they go to school full-time and work to help me pay for our home.”
“The San Antonio Food Bank has been there for me and my family. The food that’s provided saves us for the month. The time I have with my children is precious, and the help that comes from volunteers, donors, and every person in the organization is an intricate part in helping my family not only survive but thrive.”
This past March Sylvia’s family found themselves in a difficult position. “After the change in SNAP, I am now getting only $37 a month to supplement food for my family.” Sylvia decided to turn to the Food Bank for support. “The San Antonio Food Bank has been there for me and my family. The food that’s provided saves us for the month. The time I have with my children is precious, and the help that comes from volunteers, donors, and every person in the organization is an intricate part in helping my family not only survive but thrive.”
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, the San Antonio Food Bank is asking for your support to help neighbors in our community facing similar struggles as Sylvia’s.