Seniors living on less than $600/mo get a helping hand
With over 30,000 seniors in Broward County living below the poverty line, the Pantry of Broward is doing its part to try to help
this community. Since its inception two years ago, the Pantry helps over 500 individuals a month, primarily with food, but also with referral services to other agencies.
“Hunger usually brings them in, but we also try to address the root cause of that hunger,” said Bruce Harris, executive director, explaining that the agency also focuses on helping grandparents who are raising grandchildren.
The agency helps clients like Annie “Sunshine” Page who was a shut-in that didn’t leave the house before The Pantry of Broward. She was also homeless for many years, but because of the Pantry, is now helping others.
“I have a friend in a wheelchair, with one leg, and I help out,” said Page. “I want to share with people less fortunate than me.”
For Skyler Ricketts, it’s helped her support the two grandchildren she is raising, finding agencies that help with bills and providing her food. In return, she regularly volunteers at the agency, including this week in preparation for Thanksgiving.
Since last week, the Pantry of Broward has been preparing Thanksgiving packages, complete with a turkey so that Broward’s poorest residents—many of them living off of less than $7000 a year, of $600 a month—can have a nice Thanksgiving meal.
However, Harris said the need continues year round, and is even greater in January and February when donations are much lower.
“It’s hard to say I know you’re hungry, but you have to wait,” said Harris who relies on 200 volunteers to help keep agency costs down.
Anyone can learn more or donate by visiting www.thepantryofbroward.org. You can also text the word FOOD to 20222 and a $5 donation will be made to the Pantry of Broward and added to your phone bill.
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