In preparation for Thanksgiving, Emily visited the Nourish Up pantry in Huntersville to provide a traditional holiday meal for her family. “I thought I wasn’t going to have a turkey this year. I was worried,” she shared. Like many other families in our community, Emily faces the constant challenge of stretching her income to cover rent, car payments, insurance, and other necessities while balancing two jobs and raising her 3-year-old son, Edison. “Getting a turkey today means a lot,” Emily added. 

Emily not only received a turkey but also the ability to continue her family’s Thanksgiving traditions. Her mother, originally from Puerto Rico, contributes arroz con gandules to the table each year, alongside Emily’s mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and corn.  With the pantry’s support, Emily can even afford to prepare a special ham this year, a rare treat. “I only have it once a year—that’s what makes it special,” she said. 

For Emily, Thanksgiving is more than a meal; it’s a way to teach Edison about gratitude and togetherness, to set up their Christmas tree together, and to cherish these special moments as a family.