Navigating Food Security in the Golden Years: Joan and Ken’s Story
By Eric Dahl
In the quiet neighborhoods of Bay Shore, where many seniors enjoy their golden years, the challenges faced by individuals like Joan and Ken often go unnoticed. On the surface, they mirror the quintessential Long Island seniors—homeowners, car owners, and surrounded by a loving family. However, beneath this veneer, they confront an all-too-common issue: food insecurity.
Joan and Ken visit Long Island Cares in Lindenhurst weekly for Military Appreciation Tuesdays, an initiative that invites veteran families like Ken’s, an Air Force veteran, to collect groceries alongside fellow vets. Like many other seniors, the couple finds solace and support at our pantries, which serve over 30,000 seniors every year, emphasizing the pervasive nature of senior food insecurity.
“Long Island Cares is helping us over a bit of a rough patch,” Joan shared with a warm smile. “Many people have fallen on bad times in recent months and years, us included. It’s tough being a senior here. Long Island Cares is a real blessing for us.”
The significance of Long Island Cares in supporting seniors is further accentuated by our Supporting Our Seniors S.O.S. program, a lifeline for homebound seniors. Volunteers with this program deliver fresh groceries to seniors’ doorsteps, ensuring they have enough to eat without leaving the comfort and safety of their homes.
Joan and Ken’s journey reflects the resilience of seniors in the face of food insecurity. They radiate positivity despite their challenges, a sentiment echoed by Ken: “We try not to live in fear. We are all on a journey, and we’re taking it one step at a time, bumps and all.”
Their commitment to overcoming obstacles extends beyond their personal struggles. Joan, who works part-time at Costco giving out samples, interacts with many seniors who say they stop by the store simply to eat a free lunch of samples because they can’t afford any other meals. She wholeheartedly recommends Long Island Cares to them to connect with others who may be unaware of the assistance available to them.
Ken reflected on his own experiences with food insecurity to testify to the universal struggles seniors face.
“When it comes to food insecurity, I’ve been there and done that,” he said. “It helps me connect with others struggling because we got through it once, and 70 years later, I know we’ll get through it again.”
The couple recognized the unique support provided by Long Island Cares, emphasizing the organization’s genuine appreciation for its patrons. “Some people in this world have nothing, nothing at all. Long Island Cares is an amazing blessing in our lives, and everyone who needs help shouldn’t be afraid to get it from them,” Ken emphasized.
As we delve into the challenges faced by seniors like Joan and Ken, Long Island Cares remains committed to breaking the chains of food insecurity for our beloved community.