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Supporting Older Adults Like Jose: The Importance of Food Pantries for Those Living on a Fixed Income

Supporting Older Adults Like Jose: The Importance of Food Pantries for Those Living on a Fixed Income

Jose attends the Baldwin Park SDA Church’s food pantry to help ease his family’s budget.

A man wearing glasses, a cap, and a blue shirt sits in the driver’s seat of a car, looking at the camera. Beside him, a woman with sunglasses sits in the passenger seat. They appear on their way to provide food assistance, both wearing seat belts.For many older adults in Los Angeles County, retirement is not the carefree stage of life they once imagined. Rising costs for housing, healthcare, and groceries can stretch a fixed income beyond its limits. For older adults like Jose, monthly checks simply don’t cover all expenses, leaving little room for nutritious food.

That’s where the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and its partner agencies, like the Baldwin Park SDA Bilingual Church, step in.

Jose shared his experience at one of the Church’s food ministry distributions. “We come here every time there’s the possibility to pick up this great food that we receive here,” he explained. “I’m retired, and it looks like my check is not big enough to cover my expenses. So this is a real, real good help.”

Why Food Distributions Matter for Older Adults

Food distributions provide more than just groceries—they provide peace of mind. Older adults like Jose no longer have to choose between paying for medication, rent, or food. Instead, distributions ensure that older adults receive fresh produce, pantry staples, and other nutritious items to support their health and well-being.

The need is clear. Many retirees rely on Social Security or other fixed incomes that don’t keep pace with inflation. As costs rise, older adults are among the most vulnerable to food insecurity. Programs supported by the Food Bank bridge this gap, helping older adults stay nourished and maintain their independence.

Help Support Communities in Need

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank provides food to more than one million individuals each month, including older adults like Jose. But the demand continues to grow. With your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness—you can ensure that older adults on fixed incomes don’t have to worry about their next meal. Donate today.

Join the fight against hunger!

If you are in a position to do so, consider donating to the Food Bank and supporting our programs.

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