Our Inspiration

Jillian Jacobson 

Known for her happy spirit and contagious laugh, Jillian Jacobson was known by many as the happiest person they knew. A 31-year-old photography teacher at El Dorado High School, she taught her students to embrace their unique way of looking at the world. She helped everyone find the best parts of themselves and embrace the things that made them different. Jillian’s confidence in who she was and the light she brought to those around her, influenced and changed countless people at some of the most critical points in their lives.

She was also an advocate for seeking help when faced with the struggle of a chronic mental illness, like depression. After loosing her father to suicide Jillian pressed the importance every year on National Suicide Prevention Week. Telling her story was hard but she knew just how crucial it was. No one was immune.

With all the good Jillian was doing, she was making a real difference in this world. It came as a shock to all that knew her when on March 2nd, 2015 she would do that which she fought so hard to prevent. Jill’s Pantry was born to bring awareness and help to others who suffer as Jillian did. This organization is bent on changing the harsh stigma surrounding mental illness and the act of getting help. It is a medical disorder as consuming as a cancer and it needs treatment.

If you knew Jillian or anyone that has suffered from the effects of depression, please share your story with us as we try to change the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how to get involved.

 

Why a Food Pantry?

Jill’s Pantry is dedicated to feeding the hungry in our communities as well. Libby, the founder of Jill’s Pantry, and her family have experienced hardships of their own, just like most of working class America. Her hope is for no one to feel alone and ashamed of having a bad day. We want to encourage a culture of proactive communities ready to share. 

Over 41 million Americans struggle to provide enough food to live a healthy life, both physically and mentally. This robs our neighbors of the most basic of all human needs, right in our own backyard. Let’s make it easy to make a change, whether we are the ones giving or receiveing. Join Jill’s Pantry’s motivation. Help us change the world one stomach and mind at a time.

 

Did You Know?

• Studies find that individuals who are chronically hunger insecure have higher rates of depression and anxiety. The same study found if someone suffers from mild to severe depression, their food insecurity increases by 50 to 80 percent.

• A report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that only 11 percent of those requesting emergency food assistance were homeless.

• Half of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14. With long delays, even decades, between the first appearance of symptoms and when people get help.

• Adults in the U.S. living with a serious mental illness die on average 25 yrs earlier than others, largely due to treatable medical conditions.