Walk In Jane’s Shoes
A one day challenge to support the Sanctuary Pantry and people just like Jane.
Meet Jane and her son Johnny.
They represent an actual Sanctuary Pantry family. Their names and images are changed for privacy, but their story is real.
Jane works full time as a caregiver, earning $18.25 an hour or $36,062 a year. She receives SNAP, but even with assistance she cannot stretch her income far enough to cover rent, food, and basic needs.
Every day, families like Jane’s do everything right and still cannot make ends meet.
Their Monthly Financial Reality
A modest one bedroom in Oceanside costs $2,100 a month.
After rent, Jane must pay for utilities, a cell phone, car insurance, gas, food, clothing, and personal care items.
When the real mother behind Jane shared her numbers with us, we learned she has only $8.33 per person per day for food.
Jane’s Breaking Point
Parents like Jane who experience food insecurity describe the same moment again and again: “I stand at the register and pray my card will go through.”
Johnny asks for his favorite cereal. Jane wants to say “yes.” But on this kind of budget, every item becomes a difficult calculation.
Each month Jane sits at her table, exhausted, trying to make the numbers work. Her income: $2,708.46. Her rent and essentials consume almost everything. This reflects what real families like Jane’s experience every month.
Finding Another Safety Net
Jane found a second safety net in the Sanctuary Pantry. Every other week Pantry guests like Jane receive:
Fresh fruits & vegetables
Fresh meat
Eggs or dairy
Cereal
Shelf stable items
Frozen goods
Bread and prepared foods
These grocery boxes provide our guests with a greater ability to make ends meet. We distribute 8,000 pounds of food every month, and give each family dignity, stability, and hope.
Why This Matters
Government food support can be removed at any time. A shutdown, a budget stall, or a policy shift puts thousands at risk instantly. With recent federal changes, many families will soon lose SNAP eligibility. The need will grow.
Local pantries are the last line of defense. The Sanctuary Pantry has remained open for nine years, including through COVID when others closed. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to shore up our operations, stock up on reserves, and be ready to meet the unpredictable challenges that lie ahead over the next two years.
Pledge To “Walk In Jane’s Shoes” Today
We are challenging people just like you to pick one Saturday in December to try living on $8.33 per person for food. Talk to your family about the importance of solidarity and understanding the challenges our food insecure neighbors face every day. As you practice this challenge:
Notice the choices you are forced to make.
Imagine the pressure you would be faced with at the store.
Share your experience with someone else — and challenge a friend!