As the New Year rings in with January’s arrival, the off-season begins in Atlantic City. For many hotel housekeepers like Germania, this means fewer hours at work – until Memorial Day, she’ll work four days a week instead of five. Making minimum wage isn’t easy, and with a full day’s pay lost each week, Germania feels the squeeze.
Fortunately, her SNAP benefits and visits to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s Community Assistance Pantry help her bridge the gap. She receives $115 a month in SNAP and picks up healthy staples like vegetables, meat, and bread at the pantry to feed herself and her 18-year-old daughter, who’s heading off to college later this year to study art.
“It would be really hard for me if I didn’t have SNAP. I would have to buy the cheap stuff to make sure I had enough food at home,” Germania shared.
But the least expensive options aren’t nutritious for Germania, who has diabetes and must carefully plan each of her meals to keep her blood sugar in check.
“Going to the pantry and getting my SNAP benefits helps me manage my health,” she said.
Thanks to these critical supports, Germania remains hopeful. She keeps herself healthy and provides for her daughter, who’s looking forward to a bright future.
“I’m so proud of her,” Germania smiled.