ATTLEBORO, Mass. —

Stocking up on healthy foods is a priority for Kathleen Kakooza, a newly married mom to 8-year-old Jeremiah and a second baby on the way.

Kakooza, a domestic violence survivor who is a minister and recently got her master's degree in Divinity, is helping women like herself rebuild their lives.

But don't think she doesn't need support — because she's exactly the kind of person who community food pantries all across Massachusetts are empowering.

"I'm so grateful for the food pantry," Kakooza said. "It has helped me tremendously. I do sometimes struggle with saying, 'Why am I not making enough to afford to get what my son needs?'"

Kakooza will be the first to tell you that so many families are making hard choices as they try to stretch a budget.

"Especially when you h

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