Access to food assistance is safety net for seniors in unpredictable times

With the war in Ukraine continuing to push prices of gas and other goods up, the world is bracing for the unknown. This is especially true for many elderly citizens who live month-to-month on a fixed income. One safety net elderly in the area have, however, is access to food assistance, thanks to strong food banks and pantries.

Chase County

Brad and Sheri Hink-Wagner are watching LB 1201 closely as it makes its way through the Nebraska Legislature. If passed, the legislation would provide upwards of $10 million in funding to Food Bank for the Heartland, a non-profit organization that Brad and Sheri, along with their church, Crossroads Wesleyan Church, began partnering with a year ago to provide a monthly free-food distribution in the Chase County.

The CWC distribution is for everyone. There are no income guidelines for who can pick up food. Those who utilize the CWC food distribution include a handful of elderly citizens in Chase County, Brad said. However, he would like to see the number of older citizens increase.

“What we have found out is that many of the senior citizens in the community just don’t realize the service is here,” he said.

He said that word-of-mouth has been the best way to let the elderly community know of the food distribution, and he encourages senior citizens, or people with elderly friends and loved ones, to use the program.

“If it is a case where the senior citizen can’t come and get the food, or if they want to remain anonymous, we will deliver,” Brad said. He said he is happy to work with anyone over the phone to choose the specific items and for any specific dietary needs the senior may have.

The Heartland food bank truck delivers food to CWC at 220 W. 7th St. during the last full week of the month. Appointments are not needed.

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