After a lifetime of work, many seniors are living on fixed incomes that often force them to choose between paying for healthcare or prescriptions and buying groceries.

Because seniors often need medication to maintain their health, many elderly Americans must forgo the foods they need to stay healthy. Limited mobility and dependence on outside assistance makes seniors particularly vulnerable to hunger. Food insecurity among this vulnerable population is especially troublesome because they have unique nutritional needs and may require special diets for medical conditions.

Dorothy and her husband are in their mid-70’s and living on social security after retiring more than 10 years ago. Together they are dependent on 14 different medications to keep them healthy. With a fixed income, and raising gas and medical expenses, Dorothy turns to a local pantry for food assistance. Her food budget usually dwindles about the third week of the month and that is when she relies on food from the pantry. “I am a very frugal shopper and always shop at discount retailers or use coupons,” said Dorothy. “However, I don’t know how we would get through the month without this food supplement.”

Many seniors in our neighborhoods rely on the programs of our the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to ensure they don’t go hungry each month. Together with your support we can help the elderly stay healthy, strong and hopeful.