Stops at the Spirit of Life Food Pantry in Mandan, a partner agency of the Great Plains Food Bank, is a weekly occurrence for Yvonne Schmidt. The stops are out of necessity for Yvonne and she struggles to think of what things may be like without Spirit of Life.
“There is usually more month than money,” she says when asked if her income is enough to live on.
Yvonne is an 80-year-old retired grandmother. She has been a widow for 20 years and is currently helping to provide for her two college-aged grandchildren. With Social Security being her primary source of income, Yvonne has utilized Spirit of Life every week for the past two years.
She estimates that half her food supply comes from the food pantry and without Spirit of Life, they would be forced to go without. The food they receive they are able to make last the entire week. Anything they have left over, Yvonne shares with others that are in need.
Specifically, Yvonne enjoys the fresh produce the food pantry provides along with being able to get cereal. A former hotel cook, preparing healthy meals for her grandchildren is a high priority.
Yvonne has always been appreciative of the help she is given and has been inspired to begin giving back by volunteering.
“Thank you for all the help you give me and the food,” she said referring to those that help support the Great Plains Food Bank and its services.
