Grateful Gratitude’s Food Markets
In our community of abundance, where big homes and full pantries are the norm, the hidden reality of food insecurity among senior citizens is heartbreaking. Over the last 20 months, I’ve witnessed this firsthand at The Plaza, a 55+ community where many live on limited incomes, relying solely on Social Security.
It all began in October 2023 when I met Cathy, a Plaza resident, at a church meeting. She shared the challenges faced by her neighbors—seniors in their 70s, 80s, and beyond, many with disabilities—who often struggled to afford food. Moved by her story, I decided to help, starting with a Thanksgiving meal for 48 residents.
What seemed like a small act quickly revealed a much larger need. Residents shared their struggles, from a discontinued food truck to surviving on $16 in monthly food assistance. That night, I went home to my well-stocked pantry, unable to shake the realization: these seniors were food insecure, and I had the resources to help.
I started small with “Blessing Bags,” filled with simple, nutritious ingredients for a meal. But as the demand grew—from 34 bags to over 140 residents—I realized this was only the beginning. Through a partnership with Amazing Grace Food Pantry, we scaled up. Today, we distribute over 4,000 pounds of food monthly, transforming the way we support our seniors.
Our onsite “store” allows residents to “shop” for free groceries, and we deliver food to homebound seniors. What began as a modest effort has grown into a lifeline for this community. Yet, we still have more to do—100 residents remain underserved.
This journey takes a village. Your support can help us expand our reach, ensuring every senior at The Plaza feels seen, supported, and nourished. Together, we can rewrite this story—one bag, one meal, one life at a time.
Who Is LoLo?
On March 12, 2018, at 1:38 PM, I experienced a beautiful moment of divine inspiration that completely redirected my day! It was as if God gently nudged me, encouraging me to start a blog aimed at shining a light on the abundant blessings He generously shares with us all. I felt a strong desire to inspire others to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the goodness in their lives. Throughout my journey, I’ve always believed that embracing positivity and gratitude can truly transform our experiences and outcomes. In that moment, I realized that God was entrusting me with something special—a mission to guide others in recognizing His boundless love and the countless blessings that surround us each day.
I’m so thankful that God supported me during a challenging period in my life and led me to my wonderful second husband, Wes. He embodies God’s provision—a loving, kind, and faithful partner who is also a fantastic father to my daughter, Lexie. What’s more, God has gifted us with Lexie’s mental healing and brought a beautiful, healthy baby into our lives after navigating the challenges of a tough pregnancy.
I’m deeply passionate about sharing God’s love with everyone I encounter! My heart yearns for each person to experience the incredible peace, love, and healing that God offers, without exception. I truly hope my work reflects Him in every way.
Everything I’ve learned to support those in crisis—whether it’s individuals confronting violent crime, experiencing homelessness, single mothers, or food-insecure seniors—feels like it has been meticulously guided by God. He leads me with purpose and supplies all I need to effectively serve these amazing communities!
1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.