Candace is a mother, a daughter, and a wife in Rutland County, Vermont. This is her story.

My parents worked their entire lives, but through no fault of their own they’ve been left with only a small, fixed income. Consequently, it’s fallen on my family to help provide for them. My husband works full time, but with seven mouths to feed now it’s barely enough to get by.

When your loved ones need you, you can either turn away or choose to help. My name is Candy, and I chose to help.

Currently, I live with and take care of my aging parents. I am actually married with three children —ages 13, 14 and 18 — but my parents require 24-hour care, so I stay with them while the rest of my family lives next door.

A few years ago, my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It’s gotten to the point where he no longer remembers anyone and can’t do anything for himself. My mother’s health is failing as well. She doesn’t have the ability to care for him, so the responsibility is on me.

We’ve often had to choose between buying food and medicine, and sometimes, my husband and I skip meals altogether so my parents can eat.

That’s why, when I discovered the food pantry in our town, I was truly relieved. With their help, I no longer have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. These past few years have been some of the most difficult of my life — but having the pantry to turn to is helping me get through. In the midst of my stress, I can relax better at night knowing that my family will have breakfast in the morning. The food pantry’s help is a blessing that someday, I hope to be able to pay forward.

You can help make sure that families like Candace’s have access to nutritious foods when and where they needed it most. Click here to donate: give.vtfoodbank.org

You can hear Candace tell her story in a short video by visiting: www.vtfoodbank.org/candace