Community Spotlight: Mr. Charles Braggs

Every month, Charles Bragg comes to Second Harvest to pick up a food box for himself and his ex-wife Anita. They have both been enrolled in the program for just under three years after finding information during an internet search for food resources to help supplement what they were able to afford. Due to Anita’s declining health and medical bills, the couple needed extra support to make ends meet.

Mr. Bragg is originally from West Virginia and relocated to Ohio as a young man. He found work at the Quarry, Lorain Ford Plant and Admiral King High School. Anita worked for the welfare office prior to her health declining. Both are active in their church where they have found support and resources to help them through tough times. COVID-19 has taken a toll on them, leaving them separated from the emotional and physical support the church provided, yet Charles is optimistic for the future. Charles is looking forward to getting back to normal activities and helping his church family out where he can.

The senior boxes Charles and Anita receive provide staples to meet their nutritional needs each month. A hearty bowl of macaroni and cheese is the first thing he fixes for the couple, followed by soup and toasted cheese sandwiches.

He especially enjoys the 1% shelf-stable milk for his cereal and cooking, which he says is “easier on his stomach and doesn’t go bad”. A lover of fruit, Charles is grateful to receive this in the box. His one request would be to have some different options to enjoy. “This,” he says, “would be a nice surprise!” At 73, Mr. Bragg is one of our few senior citizens able to drive to pick up what he refers to as an ‘essential’ benefit for himself and Anita. He was grateful for the times the Ohio National Guard and staff delivered the food boxes, especially when they were told to remain at home. He explained how highly he thought of the National Guard as his own son serves in the Tennessee National Guard. From the bottom of his heart, he thanks everyone very much.