You're Proud to Come in Here: Dianne's Story

Dianne found herself back in southern Minnesota after almost forty years in the sunshine of Arizona. She moved back to help her parents, who were getting older, but also because she found herself getting sick and needed care.

She settled on St. Peter, which is located about 95 miles from where she was receiving care in Rochester. However, between commuting to her appointments and caring for her parents, she found herself with no food and no money, often not eating for days at a time.

A woman who was preparing meals for her let her know that St. Peter has a food shelf right down the street where she could receive groceries. “I came in and I met Jodi, and she made me feel so good. When everything gets taken from you and you don’t have anything, and you’re hungry, it was wonderful.” 

Dianne admits that she was anxious about going to the St. Peter Area Food Shelf for the first time. “I’m 75. These are supposed to be happy, glorious days. I didn’t think I would be looking at this age where I’m going to get my next meal. But so many things happen that you think will not happen when you’re young.” 

Dianne picks up essentials not only for herself, but her neighbors.

Since her first visit, the food shelf has gone through some renovations, which Dianne has been excited to witness. “It’s gorgeous in here. It’s very nice. When I first came in, it was what I expected. Hard working volunteers. Good food. But now it’s all arranged and it’s absolutely beautiful.”

“You’re proud to come in here. They’re not trying to make you feel bad. You come in, and it’s like a food co-op.”

Not only does Dianne use the St. Peter Area Food Shelf for her own shopping, she assists her neighbors as well by picking up food and delivering it to them. “He’s 90, and she’s 88. They’re on their own. They are next door, and she just took a fall. And then the lady behind them has cancer and she can’t work anymore.”

“You know, maybe that’s why I was in a good mood all of a sudden yesterday, because they were smiling and were so happy. I said, ‘Don’t hug me though, I’m really hot,’” she says with a laugh. 

“Afterward I walked home, and I sat down smiling. I thought, ‘You gave smiles to three people that are older than you.’ And I thought, ‘This is good, this is really good.’”