When people think about food assistance, they often imagine a specific group of individuals—perhaps someone experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty. But the truth is, food insecurity doesn’t fit a single mold. It affects working families, seniors on fixed incomes, individuals facing unexpected medical bills, and people who never thought they would need help. At Daystar, we see it every day: food assistance is for everyone who needs it, and there is no shame in seeking help.

Busting the Myths About Food Assistance

There are many misconceptions about food assistance programs. Here are some of the most common myths—and the reality behind them:

• Myth: Food assistance is only for the unemployed.
  Reality: Many individuals who seek food assistance are employed but still struggle to make ends meet. With rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and unexpected expenses, even full-time workers can find themselves needing support.
• Myth: Only people in extreme poverty use food pantries.
  Reality: Food insecurity exists on a spectrum, and many people who visit food pantries are experiencing temporary hardships—job losses, medical emergencies, or high utility bills. Seeking help ensures they can put food on the table while they get back on their feet.
• Myth: If you ask for food assistance, you’re taking from someone who “needs it more.”
  Reality: Hunger is personal, and there is no competition when it comes to feeding families. Food pantries, including Daystar’s, are here to serve anyone in need. There is no “more deserving” person—everyone’s struggle is valid.

Who Relies on Food Pantries? Real Stories from Our Community

At Daystar, we serve people from all walks of life. These are just a few of the many faces of food insecurity:

• Working parents trying to provide for their children while covering rent, daycare, and medical bills.
• Seniors on fixed incomes who have to choose between buying groceries or affording their medication.
• College students who balance tuition, books, and basic living expenses while trying to succeed in their studies.
• Individuals with disabilities facing challenges that make finding consistent work difficult.
• Families impacted by emergencies such as natural disasters, unexpected car repairs, or job loss.

Food Insecurity is More Common Than You Think

Food insecurity is a widespread issue, affecting millions of Americans. According to Feeding America:

• Over 34 million people, including 9 million children, face food insecurity in the U.S.
• 1 in 6 seniors struggles to afford nutritious meals.
• Many households experiencing food insecurity have at least one working adult.

These statistics remind us that food insecurity is not a rare or isolated problem—it’s something that touches every community, including ours.

Daystar is Here to Help—No Questions, No Judgment

Our doors are open to anyone who needs help. Whether you need temporary assistance or ongoing support, Daystar’s food pantry is here for you. No one should have to choose between paying bills and eating a healthy meal. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to reach out.

If you don’t need food assistance but want to help, consider donating or volunteering. The more we come together, the more we can break the stigma around food insecurity and ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

Need food assistance or want to support our mission? Visit our website or stop by Daystar today. Because no one should have to face hunger alone.

Daystar Life Center Joins as a Strategic Partner of Nuevo en US

Daystar Life Center is proud to collaborate with Nuevo en US (www.nuevoenus.org) to support immigrants and the nonprofit organizations that assist them. With the backing of Car Credit (www.carcredittampa.com) and its owner, Steve Cuculich, both organizations are committed to helping Spanish-speaking communities adapt to life in a new country.

Heide Cornell, Executive Director of Daystar, highlights the organization’s personalized approach: “There is no one-size-fits-all solution for individuals and their families. At Daystar, we create Individualized Assistance Plans to support our neighbors on their journey to stability.”

Visit the websites of Nuevo en US, Daystar, or Car Credit to learn how you can contribute to these efforts and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those seeking a fresh start.