In Roosevelt, Long Island, Anna walks into Island Harvest with quiet determination. Pregnant and facing complications, she knows that every meal now carries weight, not just for her, but for the child growing inside her. As a mother of two, she has already seen how access to healthy food and nutrition can shape her children’s well-being. But, this pregnancy, complicated by a history of gestational diabetes, has raised the stakes even higher.
Anna works as a bus driver, a job she loves, but her paycheck doesn’t stretch far enough. With health challenges limiting her ability to work extra hours or take on a second job, putting balanced meals on the table became more difficult than ever. And, during pregnancy, when proper nutrition is critical for both mother and baby, the gap between what she could afford and what she needed felt overwhelming.
That changed when Anna met Island Harvest’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Week by week, she learned how nutrition directly impacts her pregnancy – how the right foods can help manage diabetes, support her baby’s growth, and protect her own health. She discovered practical ways to shop smart, cook healthy meals, and stretch her dollars without sacrificing nutrition.
Each visit brought more than guidance. It brought tangible support. Anna received weekly food packages filled with fresh produce, lean proteins, and pantry staples designed to meet her family’s needs. With help from Island Harvest’s social worker, she also accessed SNAP benefits, easing financial strain and giving her peace of mind.
For Anna, the experience has been transformative: “I am grateful to have a place to come for fresh food, not only for food but also for the people who make me feel appreciated and with whom I can share my story without judgment. I’ve learned a lot about making better food choices for myself and my baby.”
Anna’s journey is one of resilience and hope. With the right support, she’s not just nourishing herself, but she’s laying the foundation for a healthier future for her children. Like Island Harvest, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation also believes every family deserves that chance.
