September 2022
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Retirement can be a wonderful season of life where folks have the freedom to choose how to spend their time – relaxing, boating, traveling, or pursuing the next big adventure. But for the 48,000 seniors who live in poverty in our area, their lives are filled with fear, uncertainty, declining health, loneliness, and food insecurity.
Jenny spent her career working in retail at a local grocery store. Since retiring, life has been far from the wonder years depicted in retirement TV commercials. “I’m making it, but it keeps me worried,” she confessed with a nervous laugh.
“I’ve been in the hospital,” Jenny said. “And I’ll have to go back into the hospital for more surgery.” Common among seniors, health issues become an ongoing, major expense that severely impacts their fixed income and fragile lifestyle.
After paying for her medicine and bills, Jenny admits, “Sometimes there’s nothing left. I often have to decide between buying my medicine or food.” No one should have to make such choices that will affect their well-being and health. The fact is, nearly one in five seniors in our area struggle to survive for lack of food in their golden years.
Research indicates that food insecurity is associated with an increased prevalence of health problems such as heart attack, congestive heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, depression, and may limit activities of daily living.
Jenny admits, “Things are very tight at home, and I need food.” Thankfully, faithful donors like you continue to support Second Harvest so we can supply food to our agency partners like SOCKS Crisis Ministry in Gaston County where Jenny was able to get the food she so desperately needed. “This food will really help,” she said. “Absolutely!”
Your passion for fighting hunger is changing the lives of children, their parents, and seniors, like Jenny, who need it most. “God bless you,” Jenny says. God bless you. I appreciate it so much.”