Around the Table | Page 8

Your Gifts Are a Lifeline for Hungry Seniors Pat and John have been married for 40 years. In that time, they’ve enjoyed countless meals together, mostly prepared by John, who loves to cook. Because they’ve both been long-time champions of hunger relief, they never imagined they’d need assistance themselves. For nearly three decades, Pat and John managed a daycare center that partnered with the North Texas Food Bank to connect struggling families with groceries — including fresh produce. Pat still remembers the early days of this effort, when John would cook up a serving of whatever they were giving away, so the families knew how to use all the different veggies they received. “Thank you, we appreciate it.” But all this came to an end around 2005, when Pat suffered a severe stroke. Now confined to a wheelchair most of the time, it’s challenging for her to get around – even in her own home. As for John, his vision is nearly completely gone. They both rely on Social Security income to cover their monthly expenses. Given both of their health problems and lack of financial resources, it’s difficult to make trips to the grocery store, or anywhere else for that matter. That’s why Pat says Pat and John she and John were among the first to sign up for the Food Bank’s Nourishing Neighbors program, which delivers healthful food to homebound seniors every two weeks. Each time their volunteer, Deborah, comes to their door step, they receive enough fruits and vegetables to make filling and balanced meals. If it weren’t for Physical Address: 4500 S. Cockrell Hill Road Dallas, Texas 75236-2028 P 214.330.1396 F 214.331.4104 this food, made possible through your gifts, Pat knows she and John would go hungry – and no one would ever know. “Thank you, we appreciate it,” Pat says, earnestly. “It allows us to have nutritious meals without having to travel outside our home.” Mailing Address: P.O. Box 731226 Dallas, TX 75373-1226 Connect w ith us on social media!