An older man and two young girls shopping at a outdoor market stand with various items, near a garden and building.

Hunger Ends, where COmpassion Begins.

Hunger is often misunderstood. Many people facing food insecurity are working hard, holding multiple jobs, raising children, caring for loved ones, and still struggling to afford enough to eat. It’s not a reflection of personal failure, but of systems that fall short: wages that don’t keep pace with living costs, support networks with gaps, and barriers that leave too many behind.

At Community Outreach Ministry Eastside, we meet resilient, hardworking individuals every day, people who want what we all want: stability, dignity, and a sense of control over their lives. Your donation helps make that possible. It turns compassion into action, providing more than just food, it offers hope, connection, and the opportunity for someone to take their next step forward.

Take a moment to meet a few of the neighbors your support helps. While their names and details have been changed to protect their privacy, their stories speak a powerful truth: food insecurity can happen to anyone, but so can hope.

Be the difference for your neighbors

  • An older man with white hair and beard smiling, wearing a navy blue cap with military patches and an American flag, and a navy blue shirt with white stars on the sleeve.

    Harold

    Harold is a 68-year-old retired Veteran living with diabetes. Rising rent and medical bills make it hard to afford the healthy food his doctors recommend on a fixed income. Quiet and independent, Harold doesn’t like asking for help, but the pantry gives him a way to stay nourished and in control without compromising his dignity. With access to fresh, diabetic-friendly food, he’s able to care for his health while maintaining his independence.

  • A young woman with braided hair, wearing an orange sweater and a backpack, looks at her phone while holding a black notebook outside a college campus during autumn. She wears earphones and is focused on her phone.

    Tamika

    Tamika is a 21-year-old college student balancing full-time classes with a part-time job at a coffee shop. After paying for rent and books, there’s often little left for food, and she quietly skips meals to get by. She learned about the pantry from a classmate, and now it helps her stay focused and nourished. Now she is one step closer to achieving her goal of graduating from college.

  • A young boy kisses his mother on the cheek outdoors, both smiling, with greenery in the background.

    Maria

    Maria is a 34-year-old single mother who works full time to support her two young children. Even with long hours, her paycheck barely covers rent and utilities. When her hours were cut unexpectedly, she turned to the pantry to help fill the gap and make sure her kids didn’t go without. Maria is incredibly hard-working and takes pride in being a provider for her family. She is doing everything she can to keep her family safe, fed, and hopeful for a better future.