Living Well After 60:

We have been talking about loneliness and ways to stay connected to our community, but this week I would like to talk about something that is sometimes a little harder to discuss—food insecurity.

Now, before you think this doesn’t apply to you or anyone you know, think about this. What happens when your spouse is suddenly hospitalized, you are recovering from surgery, you aren’t feeling well enough to shop or cook, or perhaps the monthly bills are just a little more than you anticipated? Maybe you are living alone for the first time in years and cooking for one just doesn’t seem worth the effort.

Life has a way of throwing us a curveball when we least expect it. And sometimes, even the most independent among us could use a little help.

The good news is that we live in a community filled with wonderful people and organizations who genuinely care about their neighbors. And there are several ways to get help with food, whether you need a meal or two or groceries to get you through a difficult time.

Let’s start with a nice quart of homemade soup!

AL’s Pals, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating out of Wesley United Methodist Church, has a wonderful group of volunteers who prepare homemade soup and are always happy to deliver a free quart to someone who could use a little kindness. Maybe you are under the weather, recovering from an illness, or simply having a difficult week. Whatever the reason, a warm bowl of soup can make the day a little brighter.

Just call 770-366-0653 or email souperalspals@gmail.com. They would love to help.

Many of our local churches also have meals available for people who need them. Don’t hesitate to call a church here on the island and ask what assistance might be available. If they don’t have a meal program themselves, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

What if you need more than a meal or two?

That’s where Our Daily Bread Food Pantry comes in. Located at 1818 San Marco Road, the pantry provides groceries to individuals and families who need a little help putting food on the table.

And when I say groceries, I mean much more than a few canned goods! You can receive a bag of food, fresh produce, meat, and other items to help you prepare meals at home.

The pantry has a large food distribution every Saturday from 9:00 AM until noon. Enter from Captain Horr’s Way and follow the signs.

But what if you don’t drive anymore? Or perhaps you are caring for a spouse and simply cannot leave the house? Please don’t let that stop you from asking for help.

Call 239-259-5188 and explain your situation. The pantry can help arrange food delivery for those who need it or schedule an appointment if Saturday morning just isn’t possible. The goal is to make sure you have food, not to make it difficult for you to receive it.

Another wonderful option is Meals on Wheels.

St. Vincent de Paul, through San Marco Catholic Church, offers a Meals on Wheels program that can help provide meals delivered to your home. These are meals you can heat up and enjoy without having to worry about shopping and cooking.

You can reach them at 239-259-4593 to discuss your circumstances and see what arrangements can be made. There may sometimes be a charge for this service, so be sure to ask when you call.

I think what I am trying to say this week is that there are options when life gets difficult, and you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself.

We sometimes forget that the people who have spent their lives caring for everyone else may be the very ones who find it hardest to ask for help. Perhaps you have always been the person delivering meals, helping at church, or checking on a neighbor. Now, for whatever reason, you might be the one who needs a little assistance.

And that is perfectly okay.

And a word to our adult children who live away from Marco Island. I know many of you worry about Mom or Dad living here alone, especially if they have been ill, stopped driving, or recently lost a spouse. It’s difficult being so far away and wondering whether they are eating properly or managing on their own. Please know that you can help, even from hundreds of miles away. Pick up the phone and contact one of these organizations. Explain your parent’s situation and ask what can be arranged. You don’t have to live here to help make sure Mom or Dad has a good meal. And sometimes our parents are much more willing to accept a little help when their children have made the arrangements!

I would also like to ask each of you to think about your neighbors. Is there someone on your street who recently lost a spouse? Someone recovering from surgery? A friend who no longer drives or who seems to be having a difficult time? Maybe you could call, drop off a meal, or simply share one of the telephone numbers in this article.

Sometimes the hardest part of getting help is knowing where to begin. Other times, it is finding the courage to pick up the phone.

Please remember that these wonderful organizations exist because people in our community care about one another. No one should have to go hungry or struggle alone when there are neighbors ready and willing to help.

And one last thought—needing help today doesn’t mean you won’t be the person helping someone else tomorrow. That is what makes a community a community.

When we visit again in two weeks, we will talk about another topic that affects so many of us. In the meantime, please look out for your neighbors, check on someone who lives alone, and remember that sometimes the smallest kindness can make the biggest difference.