In the small town of Carlisle, Kentucky, Wilma Getz’s story reflects the quiet strength and resilience shared by many across rural communities. A native of Fleming County, Wilma moved to Carlisle for work, eventually making it her permanent home.
“I started to work at Jockey,” she recalled. “It was easier to be here than it was to drive back and forth. So, I worked at Jockey for 29 years till it closed. And then I went to Bullard in Cynthiana for 10.”
Wilma retired in 2009 and, like many seniors living on a fixed income, quickly found her monthly budget stretched thin. “Hey, when you retire, the checks don't go too far,” she said. “At times, I was lucky. Maybe I had $50 or $25 left” after paying for rent and utilities.
That’s when someone suggested she look into the local food distribution offered by God’s Pantry Food Bank. “Somebody told me to check it out,” she said. She did, and she’s been visiting ever since.
Wilma is one of many neighbors served through God’s Pantry Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry Program, which brings nutritious food directly to individuals and families in areas with limited access to traditional pantries or meal programs. Once a month, on the fourth Tuesday, Wilma joins others in her community to receive groceries that make a big impact.
“They give you plenty,” she said. “Sometimes you get three heads of cabbage, four bags of potatoes, and onions. You can make a lot of stuff with that, and you can freeze that stuff too.”
Wilma enjoys cooking, especially hearty meals like casseroles. “Oh, casserole, spaghetti casserole. I love it,” she said. “I would rather bake than cook.” However, with prices rising on essentials like meat, eggs, and fresh vegetables, keeping her kitchen stocked has become increasingly challenging.
Without the Mobile Pantry, Wilma said, “I’d be doing without some things.” What stands out just as much as the food, though, is the sense of care and community she finds each time she visits. “It feels good,” she said, describing the welcoming atmosphere and the respect she receives.
To anyone unsure about seeking help, Wilma offers heartfelt encouragement. “Don’t be afraid, it helps a lot. Especially if they have a family.”
For Wilma and many others in rural Kentucky, the Mobile Pantry Program is more than a source of food. It is peace of mind.
