Neighbor Stories: Ms. Annie
Jan 2, 2026
Ms. Annie recently moved from New Jersey to South Carolina to be closer to family after retiring. With a child with disabilities and multiple other children and grandchildren in the area, she wanted to be nearby so she could remain an active parent and grandparent and watch the little ones grow.
Ms. Annie’s plan was to live with her daughter for three-to-six months before finding a part-time job and a place of her own. Fast-forward a year later—Ms. Annie is still living with her daughter after multiple housing options fell through, has not yet been able to find a job, and finds herself struggling to make ends meet. She began to feel at her very lowest, like she wasn’t herself anymore. She needed to rediscover her independence and purpose.
With a little prayer and courage, she was able to turn things around just before the holidays.
I met Ms. Annie just before Christmas; this was her second or third time at Harvest Hope. She explained that finding us had been a Godsend. Not having to worry about groceries has freed up extra funds, allowing her to find a place of her own. Now, with the security of a roof over her head and the peace of mind knowing her shelves will be stocked for the holiday, Ms. Annie smiled and shared that she is excited to find her spark again. She thanks her angels for leading her to her new friends at Harvest Hope.
Behind every box of food, every grocery bag, and every meal served is a person - a neighbor with a story worth knowing.
Neighbor stories is a blog series created to peel back the curtain on who our neighbors truly are: the individuals and families we serve through our food bank every single day. These stories put names, faces, and real-life circumstances to the issue of hunger, reminding us that food insecurity does not look just one way.
As you read these stories, you may be surprised how familiar they feel. Our neighbors are working parents, retirees, caregivers, students, and people navigating unexpected life changes. Many are doing everything "right" and still find themselves needing a helping hand.
Each situation is unique, but they share one common thread - the need for support during a challenging moment. Through Neighbor Stories, we hope you'll see that hunger can touch anyone, and that compassion, understanding, and community can make all the difference.
Most importantly, these stories show the real impact of generosity. Every donation, volunteer hour, and act of support matters. Together, we can help restore stability, dignity and hope - and better the lives of our neighbors when they need it most.