Northeast resident Mary Johnson uses food stamps,
putting groceries on the family table.
She said, "I'd felt ashamed, but when you need, the shame goes away."

Though she's grateful for all the help she's been receiving,
still, whenever she reads a food product label,
she'd like more healthy options for her children each day.

"When there's so much we once had that's all gone from our world,
it's hard just keeping my family well fed.
I know there's lots of big things going on in the world,
but all the little things are big for us," Johnson said.

Now, North East Community Center has a program,
and all users of food stamps qualify for it,
with discounts on the freshest local produce in town.

Health Bucks coupons are good at area farmers markets.
Whether Johnson would like to serve fresh or store it,
her family now eats healthy local food all year round.

"When there's so much we once had that's all gone from our world,
it's hard just keeping my family well fed.
I know there's lots of big things going on in the world,
but all the little things are big for us," Johnson said.

"The same world that makes breaking news of moms who kill their babies
makes cans from distant factories and beans and broccoli grown
in other countries so much cheaper than the farm stand down the road.
We've no place for a garden, but best as we can, I believe we should tend our own."

"When there's so much we once had that's all gone from our world,
it's hard just keeping my family well fed.
I know there's lots of big things going on in the world,
but all the little things are big for us," Johnson said.