DonateAsk For Help
MENU CLOSE
DonateAsk For Help
All Stories

Amy’s path to stability: a school nutrition worker bridges a tough season with support

November 17, 2025

Client Amy a school nutrtion worker and her son who asked for help

Amy’s journey to stability: a school nutrition worker overcomes hardship with community support

For nearly two years, Amy has worked in school nutrition in Pilot Mountain, NC, preparing meals that help students thrive. She loves seeing kids’ smiles—one of the reasons she chose food service. Recently, an emergency surgery forced her out of work for six weeks. As a single mom living paycheck to paycheck—and with a delay of more than two months before she’d receive a paycheck after returning—housing and utilities were at risk. When she turned to help, she found that asking was a step toward steadiness.

Quote
If it weren't for Giving Kitchen's help my son and I would be facing even more crisis. I do thank them so very much.

– Amy, School Nutrition Worker, Injury

Asking For Help

After finding Giving Kitchen through a web search, Amy applied for support. The process was simple, and with Giving Kitchen financial assistance for food service workers, she bridged the gap—covering two months of rent and her power bill. This helped stabilize her home during recovery and prevented compounding debt that could have led to displacement.

Financial assistance was one part of the solution. Giving Kitchen also connected Amy with Stability Network resources in her area—referrals to local food assistance, rent and utility support programs, and community health providers—to help stretch her budget and navigate follow-up care. Combined with her determination, these resources helped Amy keep her household steady through a difficult season.

Giving Kitchen's Support

The impact is real for Amy: her bills are caught up, her power stayed on, and she had space to heal in her own home. Work hours have been limited, and she may need a follow-up procedure while also facing rising rent, so the road isn’t finished. But Amy has a plan and tools to keep moving forward. “Everyone trying their best needs help sometimes. There is no shame in asking,” she shared.

Giving Kitchen is one part of a food service worker’s path to stability. Amy’s courage in asking for help made the difference, and we’re grateful for her bravery in reaching out.

Ask for help: If you’re a food service worker in crisis, apply for financial assistance or get connected to the Stability Network.

Ask For Help

Support the mission:

Fund critical assistance for food service workers. Donate today and help make an impact on the lives of hardworking individuals in the service industry.

Donate Today

BACK TO TOP