May is Older Americans Month

In honor of Older Americans Month, we have been celebrating the seniors who make our organization and our community great. Older Americans Month is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of Older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.  

This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age.

Check out the stories below featuring some of the Older Americans we have had the privilege to serve.  

We met Debbie (67) at the Coquina Water Facility Mobile Pantry in Okeechobee. She had a 30-year-long career in construction until she had to retire due to a disability. She now receives social security but explained that it is not enough to get by. Debbie visits the Mobile Pantry to receive food and told us her favorite items are cereal, Jamaican Patties and fruit. Debbie also shares the food she receives with her friends and neighbors, “I’m here to help other people in need”.

Good health is a priority for longtime friends and neighbors, Lucia and Emmanuel who are both facing some health challenges. Emmanuel has heart problems and Lucia has diabetes, so having access to healthy and fresh foods through the monthly food distribution at Holy Cross Service Center in Indiantown is important. By visiting the Mobile Pantry, neighbors in need are able to receive staple food items like fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and dairy products. “I like the fruit and salad,” Lucia says, and Emmanuel loves to cook chicken and rice. They enjoy cooking and spending time with one another and are working towards a healthier future together.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) aims to improve the health and nutritional well-being of elderly individuals who are vulnerable to malnutrition. This program provides USDA-approved grocery packages for Treasure Coast Neighbors in need. CSFP Senior Food Boxes are hand delivered every month to client’s homes by Food Bank volunteers. Treasure Coast Food Bank currently provides CSFP to over a thousand seniors in our community who otherwise might not have access to the nutrition they need to maintain their independence.

For more information on our programs and resources for seniors, visit our website StopHunger.org