Fort Myers church pantry provides food and diapers for struggling families

FORT MYERS, Fla.—On the quiet campus of a church in Fort Myers, help arrived twice a month for families in need. The Wesley Community Food Pantry provided relief, one bag at a time, to neighbors who often worship there in services held in Spanish and Creole.

"I got two babies and things have been tough," said Alexander Sanchez, a food pantry recipient. "Any help is needed to tell you the truth."

"I really do appreciate all this," Sanchez added, expressing gratitude for the assistance.

Princess Rose, another recipient, described the support as a blessing. 

In addition to food, families could also receive diapers, a necessity not covered by SNAP benefits. This reminder of the need beyond groceries was crucial for many parents.

"For anybody like that, chances are pretty good that the amount they're getting this year is either reduced or cut to zero," said Richard Lebur, president and CEO of the Harry Chapin Food Bank. "So that's one less source of money for them to make sure that they can meet all their expenses."

Felicia Moore, a food pantry volunteer, mentioned that the families received extras like milk and kid-friendly goodies, which made a big difference.

"They're getting a little bit of extras today, which they don't normally get as much," said Moore. "It's almost like Christmas to them. They have such joy."

The pantry relied on donations through the Harry Chapin Food Bank. By donating to the March to a Million Meals campaign, people like those in the story could feed their young children. 

Click here for our WINK Feeds Families' March to a Million donation page.