Lifeline For A Senior In Need

By: Marie Jachino
Executive Director
Elk Grove Food Bank Services


After nearly 50 years of marriage, Mary had a hard time remembering what her life was like before she became a wife and mother. But several years ago, Mary’s husband passed away. Not only has she had to deal with the pain of losing her lifelong companion, she had to learn to live on her own again after 50 years of marriage. Her only income is Social Security and a very small retirement check. She’s in good health right now, but over the years she’s survived cancer, a heart attack and a stroke. She still has difficulty walking. But living on a fixed income makes it nearly impossible to pay utility bills, medical expenses and buy groceries each month. That’s why Mary stops by my office each time she visits the Food Bank to tell me how grateful she is for our Senior Brown Bag Program, USDA and Emergency Food Box.

Note: For seniors on fixed incomes, the free food from the food bank programs can be the difference between eating and going hungry. When money is tight, many seniors cut back on food in order to pay for their rent, utilities and prescriptions. Most seniors who visit the food bank are on fixed incomes.