I have experienced food insecurity.
Things got really ugly right before I moved to the United States from Venezuela. I would walk into a grocery store, and the only item on the shelves was ketchup. I couldn’t even find formula for my baby. That was the moment my family and I decided to move to the United States.
Three years later, the pandemic hit, and I lost my job. As a mother of two girls, I was genuinely frightened. One month into unemployment, The Growhaus opened its doors and offered me a job. I started packing food boxes, and two years later, I am the Assistant Manager of the Food Access Department.
In this new leadership role, I manage the day-to-day operations of our food packing program. I check every food box and take tremendous pride in the quality and quantity of food our community receives.
Our small team works very hard to provide food access to Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods and the greater Denver neighborhood.
Like me, I learned that many people in GES are immigrants and, unfortunately, are experiencing food insecurity. As a mother, it’s very fulfilling to know that I am helping other parents and caregivers provide food for their families. Food access is a cause close to my heart.
I’m very proud of how our programming has grown. We have included new families in our no-cost food box program and are now working with Boys & Girls Clubs and Denver Public Library.
When I started working at The GrowHaus, I never imagined I would be joining such a caring community.
I love that we have celebrations to recognize all of our hard work and accomplishments. It’s a great feeling to know that our work is appreciated.
Working at The GrowHaus, I appreciate having the flexibility that, at times, as a mother, I need to be able to take care of my girls when something comes up.
We all receive a weekly food box full of fresh vegetables, fruits, and staples like rice, beans, and fresh local bread. I have also taken English and computer literacy classes, which have helped me a lot in working with food suppliers.
