Jonathan has worked in information technology (IT) for more than 25 years. He’s a pro at solving problems and making complex things simple.
But when Jonathan’s company downsized, laying him and several colleagues off, his expertise was challenged in navigating the complicated web of emergency relief and governmental benefits.
“I was receiving unemployment, but it was just enough of a monthly payment to not qualify me for EBT (or SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or government assistance (GA),” Jonathan explained. “But what these programs don’t factor in are other financial obligations, like my child support payments. My unemployment take-home was only $90 each week after that.”
Frustrated and disheartened by a system that wasn’t working as he felt like it was intended, Jonathan shifted into problem-solver mode. At the referral of a friend, Jonathan visited a North St. Paul food shelf – his first time ever shopping at a free market.
He was impressed by and grateful for what was available to him, but he lived in Woodbury and couldn’t reasonably make the drive – or spend the gas money – visiting again. So he Googled ‘food shelves near me’ and up popped Open Cupboard’s Oakdale free, fresh market, Today’s Harvest.
“When I got to Today’s Harvest, it immediately felt different,” Jonathan described. “I didn’t have to make an appointment or fill out an application. It’s not hard to fill out applications, but having that step before you even walk in feels unnecessary and intrusive and cold.”
The differences didn’t stop here. “I visit Today’s Harvest quite frequently, sometimes three to four times a week. The shopping trips have been able to sustain me,” Jonathan continued. “Before I qualified for SNAP, probably 90% of my groceries came from here. Now, it helps fill the gaps.”
Every gap filled helps, as Jonathan is currently a few months behind on his mortgage payment and heating bill, grateful the utility can’t shut off service during winter months.
The evening hours are also a big help for Jonathan, as he currently works day labor jobs, mostly warehouse work, as he relentlessly searches for another IT job. Most days he is just able to get to Today’s Harvest before it closes at 6:00 p.m., a convenience not many food shelves can offer.
“Open Cupboard is a blessing to anyone in financial hardship and can’t afford basic needs,” Jonathan said. “When social services and government rules disqualify people for SNAP or emergency relief benefits, as was the case for me, this is a much needed resource.”