Chitranshi was fired from her job after filing a workers’ compensation claim for an on-the-job injury that left her temporarily disabled. Disputes and improper payments from her former employer caused her claim to take months to process. She began using her savings and her daughter’s child support payments to get by. When she realized that the savings were getting depleted and she would have to begin using her grocery money to pay rent and bills. Chitranshi considered selling her vehicle to obtain some emergency funds, but given her injury and the fact that her child has special needs, she realized that giving up her Scooty was not a viable option. Chitranshi had already cut out her phone, cable television and all other luxuries in order to reduce her spending.

In desperation, Chitranshi contacted SPARSH and was referred to one of our member food pantries. “I have given to food banks and other charities in the past, and now I find myself in need,” she says. “It is hard to ask for help, but I must do what I can to keep food on the table for me and my daughter.” Chitranshi was directed to one of SPARSH member pantries, where she received emergency food assistance for the next few months until her claim was settled, her injury healed, and she was able to begin work for a new company.