Fighting Hunger: One Mother’s Story

When Camden County resident Gina Lombardo gave birth to her second daughter earlier this year, she was overjoyed. Though life presented challenges – Gina was unable to work due to her pregnancy and her fiancé struggled to find full-time employment – she was determined to keep her household abundant with food for her growing family, which includes her beautiful grade-schooler, Charlotte.

“You do whatever you need to do to ensure your children have what they need – no matter what,” Gina, 26, shares. Gina and her family receive food each month at the Food Bank of South Jersey Hope Mobile distribution in Lindenwold, which provides nutritious food items, including fresh and shelf-stable resources, to more than 400 households on average.

“There is no shame in turning to the Food Bank for food – that is why they are there. We receive everything we need to help keep our kitchen stocked – eggs, pasta, canned goods, fruits and vegetables, items to make breakfast, lunch and dinner. Why wouldn’t I turn to the Food Bank? There is no shame in keeping food in your house. The shame is not doing everything possible to secure food and provide nutrition to your kids.”