Morris cares about his neighbors. As he boxes up the groceries he received from his local pantry, the person behind him spots a pre-made salad in Morris’ cart and says he wishes he had one. Morris had received the last two. Without a second thought, Morris takes one from his shopping cart and gives it to the person behind him.
Morris is 75. After a long career in waste management for the city, he retired, but continued to drive for a ride-share service to make additional money to supplement his income. However, as prices have risen over the past few years, Morris and his wife have found it increasingly difficult to balance their budget.
“We come to the pantry when we question, ‘Do I pay that bill or buy food?’” Morris says. “Coming here makes it easier for us to pay our bills.”
He found out about the Foodbank’s new Venarge Family Food Pantry through a friend from his church. He appreciates the pantry’s choice model that allows him to shop the shelves as if he were at a supermarket.
“Here, I can choose my groceries. I don’t take more than I need, so I don’t waste. That is important to me.”
In addition to picking up groceries for himself and his wife, Morris also picks up food for older adults at his church and in his neighborhood who can’t leave their apartments because of health or transportation barriers.
“You’re not just feeding me and my wife; you’re feeding several seniors that can’t come,” he says.
Because of the community’s support, Morris and countless other older adults and families have access to the nourishing groceries they need.