nce a month, Doris pushes her walker across the street to the Ebenezer Diabetic Friendly Food Pantry, and fills a cart with vegetables and whole grains. It’s the type of food she can’t afford on her own but that is critical to helping her manage her high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.

Adults facing hunger are at high risk for diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Of the households we serve, 31% have a member with diabetes and 55% have a member with high blood pressure.

That’s why we partnered with Ebenezer Church of God in Christ, Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital to provide healthy, nutritious food through the pantry.

In addition to collecting the wholesome food, Doris is able to get health screenings, visit with a nutritionist and attend cooking classes that teach her how to prepare healthy meals. “I feel so much better; relieved of stress and depression,” says the 65-year-old grandmother and great-grandmother. “I’m so grateful.”