Nourishment and Hope for Jerry and Lei Lanni

When Jerry and Lei Lanni, both in their mid-eighties, opened the simple cardboard box on their kitchen table, they were filled with gratitude. Inside was a thoughtfully packed nutrition food box, filled with whole grains, colorful vegetables, fresh fruits, hearty legumes, eggs, bread, and butter. Included with these nutritious foods were carefully prepared recipes, provided to create inspiration for meals to cook using these ingredients.

For years, the couple had been living quietly below the poverty line on a fixed income. With rising grocery prices and chronic health issues, grocery shopping became challenging, and fewer trips were made. While Jerry began his own garden, it was not always enough to prepare daily meals. Sitting and sharing meals together is not just about eating to the couple, it’s about sharing their day and connecting with each other and the daily life stresses and uncertainty of what meals to cook were starting to take away from their joy of sharing meals.

Everything changed when they were introduced to the nutrition food box program at Advance Community. The nutrition food box program is designed to support families with access to wholesome, balanced foods. Each box is curated to provide not only nourishment but also comfort and variety, making it easier for elderly adults to prepare healthy meals at home.

When Jerry and Lei Lanni received their first food box, they felt relief. A weight had been lifted, knowing they were able to have nutritious foods that would allow them to cook at least 10 meals. Knowing they can rely on their monthly food box has made their lives even just a little easier.

Jerry, a retired service member of the Navy, and Lei Lanni, a retired minister, have both lived a life of service. Giving to others, even before themselves. For two people who have spent their lives serving others, they could not be more grateful to have a program that is now serving them.

Their story is a reminder that small acts of nourishment can have a lasting impact, feeding not just the body, but also the heart, the connection, and the hope that grows around every shared meal.