Everything’s a Help

Published On: January 31st, 2024Categories: Post

Art, an 80-year-old Air Force veteran, likes to keep busy. One of his favorite hobbies is flying a plane on his flight simulator. He volunteers at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh as well as at his church’s spaghetti dinner and a feeding program called Double Portion.

Unfortunately, as much as Art loves his volunteer work, it doesn’t pay the bills. And money has been tight for a while. Art’s late wife had two bouts of cancer, and the medical bills put them into significant debt. Now, Art is left to rely on a dwindling savings account, FoodShare benefits (formerly food stamps), and his Social Security.

Thankfully, he’s able to get the food he needs from his local Salvation Army in Appleton, which partners with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin to help neighbors facing food insecurity. Without it, he’d be in a really tight spot. “Luckily, I get help with the groceries,” he says. “If I didn’t, I probably would be in trouble.”

Art is one of many seniors in Wisconsin who find themselves struggling to afford food on a fixed income. Even with the help he receives from the food bank, Art is still having trouble making ends meet.

“I’m still looking to see where I can get more aid in rent and things like that,” Art says. “I’m getting by. I have some money in my checking account. Each month it goes down a little bit … but without the food pantry, it will be going down a lot quicker, a whole lot quicker.”

Art wants to thank supporters like you for the help he receives: “Everything’s a help.”

Thank you for your gifts that help neighbors in need like Art.