December 2008 Vol. 27. No. 12

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Food for People: We will find hope for the holidays
HSRC dining centers help during financial challenges
Don¹t become a victim of deceptive sales practices
HEAP ­ get help with energy costs
The Next Generation: The new seniors have different tastes in food
Remembering Spirit: What is the myth we live by?

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Food for People: We will find hope for the holidays
by Anne Holcomb

Eureka resident Josh Sutton donates lettuce grown in his yard to Food for People through the Plant a Row for the Hungry Program. Photo by Katie Harbaugh

In February of this year, I wrote an article for Food for Peopleıs newsletter entitled ³Tough Year Ahead.² In it, I outlined our concerns about the impact that looming state and federal budget cuts would have on Food for Peopleıs continued ability to provide food boxes for the thousands of low-income individuals and families we serve each month. A 60 percent reduction in USDA commodity foods and a significant decline in food donations from manufacturers over the past four years had already left Food for People and food banks nationwide struggling to respond to the growing numbers of households requesting our help. But little did we know that the economic crisis would soon take an even more frightening turn.

In recent months weıve seen nest eggs and retirement accounts evaporate. Home foreclosures and homelessness are on the rise. Local jobs have been lost. Working families have watched their incomes erode as the businesses that employ them cut hours and wages in an effort to survive. Countless number of households on fixed incomes ‹ primarily seniors and people with disabilities ‹ just canıt keep up with the rising cost of food, medications, utilities and so many other basic necessities.

As we look around us, itıs not too hard to see how many of our friends and neighbors are struggling against hunger. Their ranks include the single mom battling cancer who is too sick to work, the senior who must choose between food and medications, the working dad whose heart attack left his family facing huge medical bills, and all those who were already living paycheck to paycheck when their hours or jobs were cut. They are not looking forward to the holidays ‹ they simply want to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.

Thatıs why Food for People needs the support of our friends and neighbors, now more than ever. Food resources are currently very low, and we are worried about our ability to raise the 65 percent of our operating budget that typically comes from foundation grants and local financial donations.

What can you do to make a difference? You can make sure that hunger does not go unnoticed, especially during this holiday season. Many of those who are struggling have never had to ask for help before, and itıs a humbling experience for them. They are just as proud as many of the seniors we serve who admonish us to ³help the others who need it more.²

You can help in some tangible ways, too. Our 16th annual red and white Holiday Spirit Food and Fund Drive bag went out in the Times-Standard in mid-November and includes a list of food pantries countywide that need your help. All food collected will stay in the community in which it was donated. Financial donations make it possible for us to help all year round. And volunteers are always appreciated.

Providing food for all of our wonderful friends and neighbors in need sends the message that we care and provides a sense of hope for better days. Please join us as we work to keep our community healthy and strong.

Anne Holcomb is executive director of Food for People. See separate list of Humboldt County pantries.