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Norfolk participant: “Well, the one place that I, if I have a food emergency for myself or anyone else in my
building is my church. But our food pantry has been shut down since the beginning of the COVID virus.”
Newport News participant: “Oh, there was a program out here, but they, they stopped when the kids went
to school. I didn't know if that was just like a summer thing, but when I talked to [NAME] she was like, no,
they haven't come back.”
Norfolk participant: “I know there used to be, Calvary Baptist, right down the street from us, they used to
give out food, fresh food and stuff like that on a weekly basis.”
Theme: Food banks are helpful with reliable transportation during the times they are open
Chesapeake participant: “Well, they have the food banks and as long as you have transportation to get
there, they are usually readily available on the days that they operate, you just have to know what's in
your area.”
Norfolk participant: “And there's also the food banks as well. You know, there's one food bank off of, uh,
Virginia Beach Boulevard in Norfolk that has a food bank for three, uh, times a week. And it's like going in
there and shopping in a grocery store, that's how fantastic this place is. And they let you take as many of
one item as you want, and they always give you, like, a big roasted chicken, uh, hamburger meat,
sometimes hot dogs. Um, they have fresh crudos, they've got all kinds of canned goods, cereals, stuff like
that. That place is really a lifesaver if you're trying to stretch your food out for the month.”
Theme: Churches are another good source of food, but availability can be limited
Portsmouth participant: “A lot of churches in the neighborhoods. If you're in need and it's easier for you to
get there, they will give food once a week or twice a week.”
Norfolk participant: “Well, over our side, we are partnered with Cavalry Revival Church and they usually
bring us food boxes. It used to be twice a month, but I just received information from them that the food
box is gonna be down, cut down to once a month.”
Topic: Emergencies and finances
Theme: Limited incomes make every unexpected cost a potential disaster
Participants discussed the challenges of being on limited incomes and the difficulty in saving for emergencies.
Chesapeake participant: “Um, they are disastrous, like, one small financial thing can, like, let's say your
car breaks down, and if you're living paycheck to paycheck, that can completely clear out any savings that
you may have and upend your life. So finances rule the world.”
Norfolk participant: “Um, you know, emergencies such as, um, hurricanes and blizzards, where the
power's gone out, or there's been a fire in your building that you have to move out. People still want their
rent. They still want the money for the rent, the light bill still has to be paid. Your insurance still has to be
paid, you know? So not only are you out of your normal comfort zone, but you still have these things to
think about. You still have to make a way to pay them so that you can get back on your feet and in your
regular setting.”
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