Mario served his country, now the Food Bank serves him sadly, as financially independent adults transition into their senior years, they often find themselves needing help just to get by. They’ve worked hard for decades, but end up facing hardship in their later years.
Mario, 66, figured he would work until he could afford to retire; however, he was forced into early retirement at the age of 63. Because of an extremely painful genetically-passed arthritic condition, he could no longer work as a building maintenance supervisor.
“It got to a point where I could not use my hands for employment,” he shared. “Once the salary stopped, my life completely changed.”
Mario said he never thought about having to find services such as food assistance when he was working.He explained, “When you are getting a paycheck,you just go to the grocery store.”
Like many seniors, Mario lives on his modest Social Security check. After he splits the rent with a roommate, he is left with just over $400 to pay living expenses and buy groceries.
When every dollar counts, it’s clear “how vital the FoodBank is.” Mario relies on pantry staples, fresh produce,and eggs from the Food Bank.
Just $1 provides food for 2 meals! Any donation you send today will help ensure that seniors and others living on fixed incomes in Contra Costa and Solano counties have healthy food to eat.
