Elderly, newly unemployed put more strain of food banks – AltoonaMirror.com – Altoona, PA | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information – The Altoona Mirror

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Elderly, newly unemployed put more strain of food banks – AltoonaMirror.com – Altoona, PA | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information – The Altoona Mirror.

We are finding at our food bank in Orange County, that many elderly are coming more now than ever. They are on a fixed income and this is a huge blessing that we can help them in some way.

Second Harvest says, “For seniors, fixed incomes and limited mobility may lead to chronically poor nutrition. And poor diet can compound many health problems, including diabetes and hypertension.  According to the Elder Economic Security Index, which figures in housing, food, transportation and health care, more than 15% of Orange County seniors don’t have enough money for adequate food.  Even with incomes above the Federal poverty level ($10,400 for a single person, $14,000 for a couple), seniors coping with high housing costs and rising medical costs simply can’t afford nutritious food. Seniors at FeedOC