When “Amina,” a single mother from Bangladesh, walked into SACSS’ Food Pantry on a cold Tuesday morning, she was exhausted. Her daughter, born just three weeks earlier, lay bundled against her chest as Amina waited quietly in line. She had come for groceries—rice, lentils, fresh produce—stretching every resource she had while caring for a newborn alone. Rising prices had made even the most basic-necessities feel out of reach, and the few benefits she received did not cover the infant-care items her baby needed most.

When a SACSS staff member gently asked how she was managing, Amina hesitated before admitting she had run out of diapers the night before. She had been rationing wipes to make them last. Formula, soap, and shampoo—items she once bought without a second thought—were now luxuries she could not afford.

SACSS responded immediately. Along with her groceries, and as part of the Food Pantry’s expanded offerings, Amina received a week’s supply of diapers, wipes, baby formula, and essential household items such as soap, shampoo, and dishwashing liquid. Relieved, she fought back tears as she packed the items into her stroller.

But SACSS’ support did not end there. Staff learned Amina had not yet seen a doctor since giving birth and arranged appointments for both she and her newborn through SACSS’ health navigation services.

Before she left, Amina said softly, “For the first time since my baby was born, I feel like I can breathe.”