A Life-Changing Impact: Wells Fargo Drive-Up Food Bank provides relief for a single mom and daughter

Author: LiAna Enriquez, Corporate Communications

“When covid-19 hit, and the furlough happened, my whole foundation just shook, it’s like what do you do?”

Single mom Andrea Thomas says the impact of the pandemic hit her two-folds. After being furloughed from her job, she worried how she would pay her bills and keep food on the table for her and her 6-year old daughter Lai’La.

“It was life-changing. Trying to figure out if you’re going to pay for groceries or you’re going to pay your rent…no idea what would happen.”

That’s when Andrea heard about the Wells Fargo Drive-Up Food Bank in Mesa. For the first time, she said she had to turn to a food bank for support.

“The food allowed me to feed my daughter and not worry about one thing in the middle of the world pandemic. A true blessing.”

“Wells Fargo has a long history of supporting local communities, especially during challenging times. When the pandemic hit, we knew food insecurity was even more prevalent, and people needed immediate help. We knew people were having to make the tough choices between providing food, shelter, and basic necessities, and we hoped that the Wells Fargo Drive-Up Food Bank could ease some of that burden,” said Lead Region President, Don Pearson.

This summer, Wells Fargo tapped into its physical footprint by leveraging its locations to help expand the reach of local food banks and help them serve more people in need. In Arizona, two branches in the east valley (Mesa and Apache Junction) served as drive-through distribution locations, and Wells Fargo sponsored a one-time food distribution event in the Navajo Nation. Throughout the country, Wells Fargo held these mobile food banks in 35 markets and helped to provide and underwrite about 80 million meals.

For Andrea and Lai’La, they said these meals were a lifeline and even motivational for little Lai’La who said she hopes to one day help and serve her community.

“Sometimes I wish I was the helper, and I could put stuff in the (food) box,” said Lai’La.

Andrea and Lai’La’s inspirational story of struggle, survival, and resilience was featured on a Good Morning America segment on September 10.

Andrea says these drive-up food bank events and the food boxes “dished up” a lot more than just meals, they served up hope.

“It’s a blessing for us to see people come together in your own. It’s emotional because it’s long overdue. I truly believe this gave Phoenix (Arizona) a feeling of support and love for one another. A true help in a time of need,” said Andrea.

One in three Arizona children are projected to be food insecure in 2020, according to Feeding America. In partnership with United Food Bank for these the drive-up food banks, in Arizona, Wells Fargo was able to help provide more than 207,000 pounds of food and more than 173,000 meals to our community.