Q: Where can seniors find help getting food?
For emergency food assistance, regardless of age, call 2-1-1 to find food pantries near you. You will be asked to put in your zip code and then just follow the prompts for food assistance. Feeding America West Michigan also is a good resource for emergency food and facilitates the Mobile Food Pantry truck which has distribution days throughout the month in various locations around Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties. Following are some upcoming distribution days:
Dowagiac, 11/26 at 4pm, ACTION Ministry Center at Dowagiac Fire Dept., 103 Park Place; Coloma, 11/27 at 4pm, New Freedom Church, 6210 Mountain Road; Benton Harbor, 12/2 at noon, Trinity Church of God in Christ, 2029 Red Arrow Hwy.; Harbert, 12/3 at 3:30pm, Chikaming Township Hall, 13535 Red Arrow Hwy; Bridgman, 12/4 at 4pm, Woodland Shores Baptist Church at Bridgman Fire Dept., 9765 Maple St; South Haven, 12/5 at 11am, Hope Reformed Church/Senior Services of Van Buren County, 1365 Monroe Blvd.; and Lawton, 12/6 at 1pm, Paw Paw SDA at White Oaks Assisted Living, 310 White Oaks Rd.
For more information about Feeding America’s programs, you can go to www.feedwm.org or call the Benton Harbor site at 269-926-2646.
The Commodity Supplement Food Program (CSFP) and Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) are other options. CSFP is a food supplement program for individuals age 60+ whose household income is at or below 130% of federal poverty level. CSFP food boxes are distributed monthly from a variety of locations. Additionally, the TEFAP distributes boxes quarterly (every 3 months) for anyone who is struggling and in need of food. Contact Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, at 269-925-9077, for application information and the location of distribution sites.
Finally, Region IV Area Agency on Aging (AAA) provides funds to assure hot noon meals at 12 locations throughout southwest Michigan, as well as home-delivered meals for those who are house-bound. Consider going to a local congregate meal site, once or twice a week to have lunch, or if you aren’t able to get out, contact Senior Nutrition Services at 269-925-0137 about getting home-delivered meals.
Q: I worry that my neighbor isn’t eating well. He’s a widower with no family locally. I’ve offered to bring him a meal but he is very proud. Any ideas on how to help him?
It is often a challenge to get some older adults to accept help, even when needed. Some specific ideas might be to invite him over for a meal or to go out for one with your family. Possibly think of something simple you could ask him to do for you, if he is able, such as get your mail or water your outside planters if you are gone a couple days. You can then thank him with a meal or basket of snacks. Finally, you could do something anonymously like mailing a grocery or restaurant gift card or sending frozen food through a delivery service.
In a broader sense, the ongoing needs of so many can sometimes be overwhelming to all of us. The holidays can really bring this in focus as we are presented with multiple giving opportunities.
At AAA we are fortunate to be supported by many individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the year, and especially at the holidays. Our clients are generously provided holiday boxes containing both food and personal care items from several local entities. As noted in the prior question, the need for food is a real thing for many area individuals who are low-income, disabled, or aging. We encourage everyone to give to area food banks, stuff-a-truck events, non-profit donation buckets, and the like. If you’d like to help AAA serve individuals throughout the year, consider donating to our agency’s Unmet Needs Fund. Contributions to the fund can be made securely online at AreaAgencyonAging.org/donate or by sending a check to Region IV Area Agency on Aging 2900 Lakeview Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085.