JoHanna’s Certified Peer Recovery Specialist told her about Today’s Harvest, the free, fresh market operated by Open Cupboard. She was new to the Twin Cities and new to seeking out food help.
“Various things brought me here: I had brain surgery a couple of years ago and have been restricted from work. I went through a divorce. I went into recovery. I didn’t have a lot of money, but also didn’t qualify for a lot of the government programs,” JoHanna explained. “So I was just trying to figure out how to make ends meet. Looking for what I could eat. I know that sounds simplified. But that’s where I was.”
Fortunately, in her first few months in Minnesota, JoHanna experienced only a wealth of support and resources. But it took effort on her part. She was nervous to visit a food shelf for the first time in her life. Like so many, she had preconceived notions about what the experience might be like, how she might be treated, who she might be shopping with.
“I was nervous to visit for the first time. And for a while really,” JoHana shared. “I felt really bad coming. I thought, ‘Oh, there are people who need it more than me. So it took me a while to feel okay about coming. But then I realized, ‘I need it, too!’ I don’t feel like I’m taking advantage of anything. I think it’s because everyone is so welcoming here. It doesn’t feel like a stigma. It’s different here. It’s really helpful.”
The Today’s Harvest model was particularly helpful for JoHanna. In addition to being open six days a week including evening and weekend hours, their exclusive offering of donated items and food rescued from grocery store shelves with just a few days of shelf life meant that her favorite foods are often readily available.
“Fresh produce is the biggest thing for me,” JoHanna shared. “The salads and the fresh fruit are perfect for me. Because of course those are the most expensive things at the store. That’s where the majority of my food budget goes.”
In her first few months in Minnesota, she was living in a recovery and treatment facility. She had her own room but nowhere to cook or prepare foods. “What was really nice is that a lot of products don’t require cooking. It was really helpful. It was huge at that point in my transition.”
And because JoHanna cannot currently drive because of her brain injury and recovery, the new Today’s Harvest location in Maplewood is of extra convenience. Just a couple stops on one bus route, no transfers. She’s substitute teaching now and is hoping to get into a school system to put her Master’s in Education to work in an administrative role.
“Now I’m living in a sober house with other women and I can cook more. I have also been cleared, physically, to go back to work. Back into what I went to school for. To getting back on my feet. What’s really nice is that Today’s Harvest doesn’t have income requirements, so as my circumstances change, I’ll be able to utilize these resources until I’m more stable.”
Her advice to other people new to food shelvers and food assistance? Have an open mind. It might not be what you think it is. Try it. It’s for everyone here. It’s a comfortable environment, it’s an uplifting environment. No one is hovering or watching you. Pick out what you want and have a great day.
“Until I had to look, I was unaware of what resources were available. I’m amazed at the amount of resources here. People are so willing to help. I have so much gratitude for the volunteers here at Open Cupboard and Today’s Harvest, and everyone who is choosing to help others.”