More than a bag of groceries

Stephanie grew up in the area. She moved away for college and grad school. Shortly before graduation from grad school Stephanie found out she was pregnant. She moved back in with her mom, a single mom with limited resources. She quickly that she needed to ask for help. A friend recommended Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry. On Stephanie's first day the volunteers welcomed her like family. Each visit they asked her about her health, and rejoiced in each milestone of her pregnancy. After her daughter was born, staff and volunteers showered her with baby gifts celebrating her daughter's birth. Throughout her daughter's early life, Stephanie continued to visit the food pantry for additional food support. She knew that the pantry was a gift, helping her focus on ensuring her daughter was healthy and well-fed.

Three years later, during the height of the pandemic a father (Bill) decided to volunteer his time at Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry. Every evening a young woman (Stephanie) would pull up right before closing to collect her bag of groceries. Every week they chatted about their families and their lives. One evening, Stephanie pulled up with her daughter, and the they both realized Stephanie's daughter and Bill's daughter were best friends in school and in childcare. This realization led Bill's daughter to decide to volunteer her time at the food pantry at the age of 7.

Chesapeake Cares is more than a bag of groceries.