52 Stories, 52 Weeks: 'I know things will get better'

Lisa Gant was recently laid off from a job in logistics. She now receives food from a Greater Chicago Food Depository member agency in Melrose Park.

Just last year, Lisa Gant was making $60,000 per year at her job in logistics. But, she got laid off and since then, she’s run into health problems.

“I’m pretty much at the end of my savings right now,” she said.

Her unemployment benefits recently ran out. She does receive $189 per month in SNAP benefits, but has no other money to afford food.

“SNAP just doesn’t cut it,” she said. “Food is expensive.”

About a month ago, Lisa found the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish food pantry, in Melrose Park. There, she receives fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, pasta, tuna and other nonperishable items once a month.

“It helps me make ends meet,” she said.

Despite her recent challenges, Lisa knows the best way to cope with adversity is to have a positive attitude.

“Just because you’re down right now doesn’t mean you’re always down. I know things will get better.”