Giving back is personal because Blissoma wouldn't be here still without the generosity of pantries and the social safety net of food stamps.
In 2007 we were a profitable business, and then the housing market crashed.
By 2009 I and my little family were accepting a small amount of pantry assistance so that we could pay our mortgage and other financial obligations.
The feeling of depending on the generosity of others for one's survival is not easily forgotten. I visited the local pantries near me weekly and each time was struck by the mix of desperation and gratitude I experienced.
It was very humbling.
In 2010 when my divorce went through I finally qualified for food stamps once my income was considered by itself.
The first day I could shop with my EBT I felt rich. I finally had choices again!
I could go to the store and buy the right ingredients for recipes, I could buy foods my daughter preferred, and we felt "normal" again.
Receiving food stamps allowed me to continue to fulfill financial obligations like my mortgage and car and SBA loan, remain a productive member of my community, and work on rebuilding my business.
Today Blissoma provides well-paying jobs for 5 people in our studio and several remote helpers.
Our contributions back to our community have far outweighed the support I received in a moment of need.
No one can be their best when going hungry, and our nation produces a massive surplus of food of 73.9 billion tons annually!
(That's 1/3 of all food produced!)
As a nation we have more than enough to ensure that everyone is fed, and anyone can experience problems and life changes that leave their budget strained.
We hope you find ways to help in your local community, and that you feel great about knowing that your purchase right now will contribute to solutions.
With gratitude and hope,
Julie
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