Lord, When Did We See You Hungry ?

“Lord, when did we see you hungry…?”

A person who is at least 60 years qualifies if they fall into the income guidelines below, even if they have a house, car or savings account.

For a senior who falls within these income guidelines, it’s worth a few minutes to call Second Harvest’s toll-free FoodShare Helpline at 1-855-366-3635to learn if they might be eligible and how to apply for benefits.The call is confidential — callers don’t even need to give their name.

Second Harvest Foodbank helps people apply for FoodShare at a variety of convenient locations, such as libraries, and also ensures that applicants know about other community resources. There is no charge for the service.

FoodShare Wisconsin was created to improve nutrition and health. It can be used to purchase foods such as fruit, vegetables, and meat. Benefits are distributed on a debit-like card, the QUEST Card, a secure and confidential way to purchase food from grocery stores and many farmers’ markets.

Wisconsin Council of Churchesis partnering with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin to ensure eligible seniors know they can claim FoodShare benefits.

Thousands of seniors are making tough

choices in these difficult economic times.

Choices like, “Do I buy my medication or groceries?”

FoodShare Wisconsin Can Help!

Living only on Social Security, Jeff had been struggling financially. But he didn’t know who to ask for help and didn’t like asking. He learned of FoodShare at adental clinic and received application assistance from Second Harvest at a public library near his home. On the back side of his most recent grocery receipt, he listed foods he wished he could purchase, but couldn’t afford. “I’ve had to make more and more sacrifices as prices increase. I haven’t been able to purchase all the food I need in quite a while,” he said.

Even though Junior is over 60 years old and has his home paid for, he told Second Harvest staff that his budget was tighter than usual after paying his property taxes that month. As a result he was more open to the idea of signing up for FoodShare, and found that he’d likely qualify for about $45 a month. Junior learned that claiming FoodShare would stretch his budget enough to allow him to have money for food and keep a roof over his head.

Gloria is almost 70 years old and collects Social Security, but medical costs have left her unable to give up a part-time job cleaning houses, and the cost of living still exceeds her income. Gloria’s daughter had been urging her to call the FoodShare Helpline. She was reluctant and nervous to apply, but her cupboard was getting bare. After she filled out the application and was getting ready to leave, she reached over and gave Second Harvest staff a hug and said “thank you for not making me feel bad about doing this.”

“…As you have done it to the least of these,

you have done it to me.”

-- Matthew 25:31-46