Roberta is strong. Every two weeks she travels nearly a mile uphill in her wheelchair to receive food from the Foodbank’s drive-thru distribution.
“Today was a struggle,” she says as she exhales. “I’m in physical therapy for a sprained back and getting here was hard.”
Because of COVID-19, transportation has become an issue for Roberta. Local services that typically help elderly people get around are limited because of the pandemic. In most cases, Roberta is stuck traveling on her own.
She lives in an apartment specifically for low-income seniors; this helps her save on rent and utilities. But her fixed income barely covers the cost of food. That’s why the Foodbank and its hunger-relief partners are so important. If it weren’t for these programs, Roberta would have to rely on her sister for help.
“I know my sister would do without in order to help me, and I can’t do that.”
Though Roberta is in need, she still helps her fellow neighbors. Of the food items she receives at the distribution that she cannot use, she gives the items away to ensure nothing is wasted. “I like to save someone else the time who can’t get out or make ends meet — it helps them out.”