Food Banks
Food banks create hope and nourish lives.
Being There: One family’s inspiring story of renewed hope.
When Judie Kellogg’s husband Paul lost his civil engineer position, she approached the situation with her usual optimism. A mother of two, she was determined to cut back and keep her family afloat.
Paul sent out more than 2,000 resumés as the housing crisis took its toll on his industry. In an effort to keep their dream home, the Kelloggs went through their entire savings and eventually had to walk away. A family that normally gave generously to others now had to ask for help.
“We always sat down together for dinner as a family,” Judie said. “Suddenly, we were left homeless, a term that I had a hard time accepting.”
Not knowing what tomorrow would bring, the Kelloggs split up to stay with family and friends. Judie secured a job, and the family reunited in a temporary home. One day Paul went to the Christian Help Center, an agency Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida supports.
“They gave him an emergency food box with meat, vegetables, and treats for the kids,” Judie said. “He cried like a baby. It was a turning point for us.”
With a renewed sense of hope, the Kelloggs moved forward. Soon Paul was working again, and Judie started a new position with Second Harvest.
Years later, Judie manages the Grocery Alliance Program, Second Harvest’s successful partnership with local retailers. Her daughter Dominique is married and expecting a child of her own, while her son Raymond is training to become an EMT/paramedic.
The Kelloggs recently bid farewell to their beloved Paul, who passed away after a brave battle with cancer. Though their future is uncertain, this remarkable family remains close and gives thanks for their blessings each day.
“I couldn’t be prouder of my family and what we have accomplished,” said Judie. “I hope to be a voice for the hungry who are afraid to reach out for help.”
If you represent a nonprofit organization that is doing great things for your community in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, or Virginia, you can begin the process of requesting support here. Our areas of focus are youth, education, reducing hunger, and alleviating homelessness.