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November 18, 2009

Helping out hungry senior citizens

Darren West

Now that school is back in session, Knox Countians can rest assured that our children are being fed. We know that at least twice a day — breakfast and lunch — our children have access to the food they need to learn, grow and become viable citizens of our community. While this isn’t a solution, it is a reprieve for the children and those who care about them.

Let’s turn our attention to our seniors; those who made sacrifices for our generation so we would have a better life and strong community. There are many seniors who do without food to pay for medicine or to pay for other increased costs associated to daily life like electric and water. These people who are hungry, most on a fixed income, have no alternative source of food.

The Meals on Wheels Association of America Foundation (MOWAAF) has found that hunger is a serious threat facing millions of seniors in the United States. Understanding this problem is a critical first step to developing remedies. A study released by the MOWAAF found that in the United States, over 5 million seniors (11.4 percent of all seniors) experience some form of food insecurity (i.e., were marginally food insecure). Of these, about 2.5 million are at-risk of hunger, and about 750,000 suffer from hunger due to financial constraints because their income is below the poverty threshold.

I could go on, but I am sure you get the idea — there is a need for these people, just like our children. The Christian Life Food Pantry provides hot meals the last two Saturday’s of the month, including delivery within a two-mile radius. So because of this, seniors do have some help, but much more is needed. You can help by teaming up with us and become a monthly sponsor. 

I would like to thank the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), who sponsored October, Union College, November’s sponsor, and Wal-Mart, sponsoring October, November and December. Your help is greatly appreciated. 

I also wish to thank Mountain Advocate Media for their food raising efforts during the Daniel Boone Festival.

You can help by teaming up with us and becoming a monthly sponsor. To become a sponsor, go to www.kyharvestsoutheast.org or call me at 606-627-0983.

Darren West is the Chairman of Kentucky Harvest Southeast, Knox County Treasurer, and President of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.

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