Food insecurity among the United States’ elderly population is a growing crisis. One in six older Americans lives in poverty. Those experiencing food insecurity consume fewer overall calories than their counterparts who are food secure, and they consume 10-24% less of major nutrients like protein, iron and calcium. Often, seniors have to make a choice between paying for food or for medical care and medicines. Greater food insecurity makes this population especially vulnerable to a myriad of health problems including asthma, diabetes, heart problems and depression.
Seniors represent an increasing portion of the clients the Polack Food Bank serves. In 2012, seniors made up about half of all people served – today they represent 68%. In addition to serving those who visit the onsite Food Bank, JFS has an extensive Home Delivery Program to bring groceries directly to homebound adults.
Roberta and Norm Schultz are two of the volunteers who make the Home Delivery Program possible. The couple has dedicated an hour and a half, every Tuesday morning, for the past ten years, to pack bags for delivery. With the help of Food Bank staff, Norm and Roberta make sure the bags are customized to meet the specific dietary needs and preferences of those who are being served.
We asked Norm and Roberta to reflect on their inspiration for such dedicated service. Here’s what they had to say:
“I learned from my mother. It reminds me of what she taught me. Always do for others.” –Roberta
“It’s the feeling of being useful. It can be difficult sometimes to feel useful after running your own business for 45 years. Volunteering helps fill in that space.” – Norm
Interested in becoming a Home Delivery volunteer? Find info about this opportunity and others here. And, check out a list of 10 Things the Food Bank Needs, including those that benefit older adults.
By Leslie Sugiura
Savvy cook, extreme clam digger, urban gardener and mom to Stella the dog are just a few of the titles Leslie Sugiura keeps in rotation. She’s also the Director of Special Events for JFS where she spearheads the annual Community of Caring Luncheon.
