There are many challenges that come with getting older. But some – like keeping enough food at home while scraping by on a fixed income – are preventable. Laura is one Western Washington resident who knows this is true, and it’s because you choose to give to Food Lifeline.
While Laura patiently waited her turn to pick up her groceries at her local Food Lifeline partner agency, she shared the circumstances that caused her to reach out for assistance. She and her husband rely on one income – Laura’s Social Security retirement checks. Her husband, a military veteran, has a debilitating seizure disorder and is waiting to be approved for disability assistance. If approved, they’ll be in a better position to care for themselves, as well as their daughter and 10-year-old grandson who recently came to live with them.
With little money to purchase food, Laura did what she could with the few groceries she could afford. They cut back on every expense possible, which, during the winter, meant no heat. But things got so much better when Laura began supplementing her family’s budget by visiting her local Food Lifeline partner.
Laura said she and her family could make the groceries they received stretch about a week, long enough to make it until the next Food Lifeline distribution.
Because her family had the local food bank to count on, their financial problems became less dire. They were even able to redirect some of their income to other necessities, like utility bills.
“We used our heater for the first time…” said Laura. “It’s just so expensive.”
On behalf of Laura and thousands of other struggling seniors, thank you for choosing to support solutions to hunger. It’s only when we work together that we can ensure everyone we serve can fill their tables with nourishing food.
