A second chance — something many people dream of, while others actively pursue. A second chance offers an opportunity to rewrite one’s story, reminding us that a setback is not the end, but a stepping stone toward a brighter future.
Now, you may not think standing in line for a food distribution can symbolize a second chance, but it does. While the line may show on the surface a difficult moment in someone’s life, it also reveals a sign of resilience paired with the courage to seek help when needed. Thanks to you, thousands of our neighbors have been given a second chance. And they’ve rewritten their stories… including neighbors like Melissa.
Melissa has been married for 10 years to a wonderful man she met 15 years ago. They love exploring San Diego, decorating for Halloween, and trying new vegetarian dishes. Together, they raised three boys. And a couple months ago, they became first-time grandparents.
But life hasn’t always been smooth for Melissa. After going through a painful divorce from her first husband in 2007, she became the sole caretaker of her then 10-year-old son and took on a new job to secure health benefits. But when the Great Recession struck, she was laid off. Unemployed and not receiving court-ordered child support as a single mom, Melissa soon found herself in need of assistance.
“It was a lot at once,” she recalls. “But I also didn’t think I’d be unemployed that long. I was applying for jobs and interviewed constantly, but so was everyone else.”
Melissa turned to a local food distribution. “Knowing there was food in the cabinet eased a lot of the stress. Knowing you have the next meal is a huge load off anyone’s shoulders.”
“It takes courage to reach out for help and I know it can also be mentally exhausting,” she says. But lining up for food wasn’t easy for Melissa.
“I often felt like people were judging me,” she recalled. “I didn’t ‘look’ like I needed help. I had nice things because I had been employed — I had clean clothes and shoes, a car, but I was now struggling to pay bills and feed myself and my son.”
Imagine what would have happened if the San Diego Food Bank wasn’t there to help Melissa. Would her son have gone to school hungry? Would she have been able to present her best self at job interviews?
Melissa recognizes that awareness of food insecurity has grown over time and access to food is easier than it was in 2007. She hopes those in need won’t feel intimidated or afraid to seek the help — that second chance — they deserve. And 15 years later, Melissa remains deeply grateful for her second chance.
“I’m active in the community now, partly because the community was there when I needed assistance,” she explains.
Melissa collects and distributes food for Thanksgiving meals to families in her area who were struggling. She organizes meal trains for neighbors who are going through a hard time, such as a death in the family or the loss of a job. “Providing a meal or food for a meal is something so basic, but it has great impact.”
Melissa shares, “Giving back has made me a better person. It’s my way of thanking the Food Bank and its supporters for helping my family and thousands of other families.”