“I just want all of you to know that you have brought a spark of hope back into my family’s life… my first time here, I had lost all hope. Thank you for bringing that back.”
That’s how one of nearly 200 guests described their experience at Twin Lakes Food Bank in response to a recent guest survey. Our food bank is more than a place to get food; it’s a place where people are seen, valued, and cared for. Ninety-eight percent of guests said they felt welcomed from their very first visit. Again and again, we heard the same sentiment:
“The staff and volunteers feel like family.”
“I love how much the volunteers care.”
“I’ve come in on my worst day and left feeling on top of the world.”
These kind words reflect the food bank’s intentionality to create a culture of dignity, connection, and compassion. Over 90% of guests shared that the groceries they receive help them afford other essentials, like rent and prescriptions, to make ends meet. Guests identified that the most needed items include fresh meat, produce, and dairy which are made possible through strong grocery store partnerships. But beyond the data, one truth stands out: people don’t just leave with groceries—they leave with hope.
At Twin Lakes Food Bank, a visit feels different from other food banks the moment a guest arrives. They are welcomed by name, met with warm smiles, and guided by volunteers who take the time to learn their story—remembering a child’s milestone, asking how the broken foot is healing—and offer a sense of connection that goes beyond the food itself. Guests’ feedback on the survey expressed that they feel seen, valued, and supported. Because when you belong to a village cheering you on, even the hardest days begin to feel a little more manageable.
