Nutritious Food from The Leavenworth Mission Helps Kathy Thrive

Kathy Ramirez, a 77-year-old former federal government worker, has been relying on food from the Leavenworth Mission since the pantry opened two years ago in its current location at 123 N. Broadway.

Her fixed income and rising medical expenses don’t stretch quite far enough these days to pay for everything she needs to live.

“If it wasn’t for Harvesters and the (Leavenworth) Mission, I wouldn’t be able to eat. I have enough money to pay my rent and bills and I didn’t have enough money for food,” she said.

Three years ago, Kathy weighed almost 300 pounds. She was prescribed a weight-loss drug and stopped eating at McDonald’s twice a day, however, she ended up losing too much weight, according to her physician. She is grateful for the nutritious food she receives.

Kathy would like to volunteer to help give back, but pantry director Iris Arnold fears she might become overtired or hurt herself since she experiences pain from nerve damage and has poor eyesight.

What does receiving help from Harvesters mean to Kathy?

“It means my being able to live and having a good life. This is a lifesaver,” she said.