Hunger Knows No Age Limit - AARP Massachusetts Provides Ways to Help - AARP Bulletin
Hunger Knows No Age Limit — AARP Provides Ways to Help
Food banks need donations and volunteers
Christopher Capozziello/AEVUM Christine Cuffie, 71, a retired cook from Springfield, and her husband don’t qualify for food stamps, but they meet Open Pantry’s food pantry income guidelines for people 55-plus. The subzero temperature did not deter Christine Cuffie. The 71-year-old retired cook was among dozens of people in line the one day a month when people 55 and older got exclusive access to the groceries at in Springfield. Related
"I like fresh vegetables and fruits when they have that," said Cuffie, who arrived at 8:30 a.m. and was 10th in line for the food pantry's 9 a.m. opening. Others waited nearly an hour. Cuffie and her husband have lived in the same Springfield house for 45 years. She said they do not qualify for food stamps, but they do meet the pantry's income guidelines. While has not increased in two years, she said, "everything else has, including trash fees." Candace Larger, director of the pantry, said people on a fixed income are at a disadvantage. "Seniors have really taken a hit." She said heating, food and prescription costs have all risen. "The health costs have just exploded for people." In 2003, according to Larger, older people constituted 11 percent of those served by the pantry. That number rose to 26 percent last year. To help combat hunger among older people, AARP Massachusetts, as part of its Create the Good initiative, has been holding food drives and encouraging its 800,000 members to take action. Two food drives in Springfield last fall collected nearly 1.5 tons of food. "It doesn't matter if people have five minutes, five hours or five days, people can make a difference," said Linda Fitzgerald, 66, state president of . For example, Fitzgerald, a lifelong resident of Springfield, said the members of her quilting guild bring food items to donate at each of their monthly gatherings. Michael Patashnick, 63, of Springfield, who recently retired from the Department of Children and Families, was among the AARP volunteers who helped collect food outside a supermarket during one of those drives. "I was very impressed with the amount of food we did collect" and the number of donors, he said. Patashnick also said he was pleased to see AARP organizing such an event beyond Boston and its suburbs. The Greater Boston Food Bank feeds as many as . Stacy Wong, its public relations manager, said the demand continues to grow. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that . "Hunger is a growing problem. Technically, the recession may be over, but it doesn't feel over to a lot of people," Wong said. At , Cuffie left with two bags of groceries. Though disappointed there were no fresh vegetables, she was grateful for the food she got. "It's food I don't have to buy," she said. Larger said the pantry usually serves about 120 on Senior Day, the third Monday of each month. People 55 and older may use the pantry 12 times a year; others are limited to six visits. Some of the clients arrive at the food pantry in the Golden Age Club van operated by the . "So many people are struggling today," Larger said. Jean Lang is a writer living in Milton, Mass. Call to Action
Volunteer with AARP in Springfield to help fight hunger and build our community. You can also to a food pantry or s in your community. To learn more, go to website or call 1-866-448-3621 toll-free. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
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