I was a teacher and my husband was self-employed until he was 70. We both worked hard all our lives, but I guess it is time to get some help."
I Guess It's Time to Get Some Help
After her husband passed away about two years ago, Gloria found herself alone in a large farmhouse in the country. "It was too much for me on my own," she recalled. Financially, she was unable to keep up with the costs of maintaining the large home. The home was now a source of stress instead of comfort in her life. "That house had so many memories for me and I wanted to leave with those good memories," she shared. These reasons prompted Gloria to make the decision to move from her large farmhouse to a smaller home at St. John's Apartments in Eau Claire.
Feed My People Food Bank began partnering directly with the apartment complex for low-income seniors in the fall of 2015 to have a pantry onsite for residents. Transportation can be a large barrier for many seniors in accessing the food assistance resources that they need. Having something onsite where they live ensures that food is available year-round in an accessible location.
Gloria loves fresh produce, especially berries, and making salads. The fresh produce and frozen chicken that she has been able to receive when she visits the pantry has helped her eat healthier. Through outreach efforts, she has also been connected and has begun to receive FoodShare benefits to help with other groceries.
"Even though I have lived here for almost a year, I never knew I would qualify to get help with my groceries," she shared. "I was a teacher and my husband was self-employed until he was 70. We both worked hard all our lives, but I guess it is time to get some help." Gloria is most excited to use her benefits at the farmer's market.
Gloria is just one of the many seniors in our community that face food insecurity. In fact, one in ten seniors right here in west-central Wisconsin struggles to have enough food on their table. Throughout their lives, our seniors have contributed so much to our growing communities and are still such an important piece. Help us to continue to reach seniors like Gloria with the nutritious, wholesome food they need.
*Name has been changed
