When I was Hungry, They Got Me Food: Wayne's Story

Wayne does not consider himself a chef by any means.

“I don’t cook that good. When I first started cooking, I put washing machine fluid in the dishwasher. Suds everywhere. My shoes were a mess,” he says with a laugh. “So, I keep things simple.”

Wayne has struggled with food insecurity throughout his life. “My mom wasn’t cooking, so we had to improvise growing up. I used to eat raw oatmeal all the time. I’d make sugar sandwiches. If it’s edible, I’ll eat it.”

Living in Minneapolis, a friend told him about Community Emergency Services (CES), and he has been going to the CES Food Shelf for about five years. “I get peanut butter, rice, and oatmeal. I love oatmeal.”

Wayne is retired after a long life of working multiple jobs. “I did a lot of labor. Job after job after job. I worked at a nursing home for about four years.”

Getting the staples at CES has allowed Wayne to be a little bit more experimental in his cooking. “I have cheese toast at least. Bacon and toast. Bacon and eggs and cheese. Even at 9 o’clock at night. I love breakfast at all times.”

Wayne appreciates the people and services at CES—not only for him, but for the entire Minneapolis community. “A lot of people depend on this place. They’re poor, they’re hungry, they have kids.”

“When I was hungry, they got me food. My stomach was singing to me. Somebody is always there for me.”

Even when times are difficult for Wayne, just knowing that he can go to CES to pick out groceries is enough to keep him going. “I can wait for that appointment—knowing it’s coming is half the battle. You know you have food coming, and you don’t have to go to those expensive stores.”

Wayne, despite his own stresses, is always thinking about other people. He is appreciative for the services and food that CES provides, and that he now knows how to load the dishwasher. 

“People are struggling. It’s hard. This is America. It’s the heartland. People are eating out of garbage cans. I did it for some time. Hunger will make you do it. You gotta do what you gotta do.” 

“I’m grateful I’m not in the dumpster no more.”