Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Maria came to Texas for a better life for her children. When she got here, however, she was faced with language barriers and limited access to fresh food. Then she found out about the SFC Farmers’ Markets.

“The first time I went to the market I [felt] like I was in my country, like I was in mi barrio.” Shortly after, Maria was diagnosed with diabetes. Her doctor told her that she needed to change her life, to which she proudly responded, “I am already!” Still, this news was the sign she needed to keep going.

“I knew I had to do something.”

She started taking exercise classes at her local YMCA and cooking classes with The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre®, where she learned that healthy cooking could still have soul. Within a few months, Maria became a fitness instructor and a facilitator with The Happy Kitchen.

Seeing how she was able to turn her life around, Maria wondered what she could do to help her community, or her “family,” as she says.

“I don't know where I would be if no one had told me about The Happy Kitchen [and] Double Up Food Bucks.”

Now Maria strives to connect even more people to SFC to access affordable fresh food while supporting local farmers and the local economy. “We can reach other communities that don't speak either English or Spanish,” says Maria, “show them that [these programs] exist!”

As you gather around the table this holiday season, we ask you to consider others who do not have food on their table.