Some Houston-area seniors are losing out on a vital food program

HOUSTON — Houston-area seniors are facing a major setback after federal funding cuts threaten to scale back a crucial food assistance program. The Senior Food Box Program, run by the Houston Food Bank, provides monthly groceries to low-income seniors, but recent cuts could leave hundreds without the vital resource.

During a news conference held at the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center on Friday, politicians and community leaders as well as seniors impacted by the cuts spoke out, hoping their voices would be heard by lawmakers.

“We depend on the Food Bank for our necessities,” said Jeannette Hicks, 77, one of the many seniors who relies on the program. “We need assistance, and we feel like we’re on the back burner; we’re seniors; our last limb should not be struggling for what we should have to begin with.”

Hicks was joined by Shelly Randall, 76, and Betty Alexander, 62, who also spoke out about the life-changing impact of losing their food boxes. Alexander, who is raising six children, including three grandchildren, said she already struggles to make ends meet.

“Shelter, lights, water got to be paid first, and whatever we have left, then we buy food,” Alexander said.

When asked if she had anything to cut from their budget? “No, not since groceries are so high.”

For 83-year-old Thelma Locking, the food boxes have become a lifeline as she faces the impossible decision between paying for medicine or eating.

“What am I going to do, you know, medication or food?” Locking said. “If they’d been hungry before, they wouldn’t be cutting, so put yourself in our spot.”

Representatives, including Rep. Al Green, have vowed to fight the cuts, calling for more support for vulnerable seniors.

“We are here because of the needy today, but we are also here because of the greedy,” Green said.

The Houston Food Bank reports that over 11,000 seniors across the region benefit from the program. However, due to recent federal cuts, 205 seniors in Sunnyside alone have already been dropped from the program.

With cuts on the horizon, the Houston Food Bank continues to urge the public to support the program by donating both money and non-perishable food items. To help, click here.