(shared via FeedingAmerica.org)

Judy lost her job of 33 years and money became extremely tight.  She realized she needed a little extra help and found her way to a local food bank.  It was there that she discovered something she likely never imagined.  A healthier way of life.

Judy became a “full-blown diabetic” when she was pregnant with her second son.  She has been diabetic for more than 21 years.  She began attending diabetes management classes provided by the Food Bank of Corpus Christi to learn more about her illness.  “I’m able to get hands-on food education,” says Judy.

Judy then learned that in addition to providing classes, the Food Bank of Corpus Christi supported a diabetes-management food pantry. The food pantry offers healthy foods for people with diet-related illness who otherwise would have a hard time accessing the kind of food necessary to manage their disease.

“I’m better at checking my blood sugar and managing my diabetes,” Judy adds.

“One thing that I’m really happy about is that I have lost almost 40lbs. since I’ve started the classes.  In fact, if I keep going I might be able to be out of insulin all together!  The food pantry has just been a blessing.”

Click play below to watch Judy tell her story: