Seniors Struggle to Make Ends Meet
As of May 2023, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased across the United States by 4% in the last year. This number is even more significant when you consider that the CPI increased by 9.1% between June 2021 and June 2022—the largest such increase in forty years—making inflation one of the defining factors of the last several years. Combined, this means there has been a 13% increase in the Consumer Price Index in the last two years alone. As is usually the case for wide-scale changes to the economic landscape, some people are being hit harder than others. That includes seniors, many of whom live on a fixed income that isn’t holding up to rising prices.
In particular, food prices have skyrocketed by an alarming margin. Across the country, the cost of food has risen by 6.7% since May of 2022. The Phoenix area has experienced a slightly higher increase than the national average, with food prices increasing by 6.8% over the last year. This is especially problematic given the concurrent increases in the cost of essential things like housing and transportation, which means that many people have less to spend on food to begin with.
Individuals and households aren’t the only ones reeling from the effects of inflation: many food pantries are struggling to keep up with the increased demand from community members who suddenly find themselves unable to feed themselves or their families. FSL is no exception; recently, our Wickenburg food pantry has recorded a 30% increase in visitors, as well as a 43% increase in food deliveries.
Learn About FSL Nutrition Services
New to FSL food pantries and home-delivered meal services? Click below to learn more.
Help Us Help Our Community
FSL is committed to giving back to our community by making food available to individuals who fall below the poverty line. However, rising costs and increased demand are making it harder for us, too.
As a result, we’re turning to you for help.
Our food pantries are supported by donations from generous individuals, businesses, and organizations. If you’ve ever considered donating to FS; or if you, too, are looking around at the world right now and feeling frustrated and powerless, this message is for you. Your time, and your chance, are now.
No contribution is too big or too small. What’s more, while food is our biggest need at the moment, FSL gladly accepts a variety of different types of donations, including toiletries, cleaning supplies, and more. See below for a full list of needs:
Food Pantry Needs:
- Shelf-stable Meats (cans, pouches, etc.)
- Peanut Butter and Jelly
- Stews and Soups
- Pasta and Sauce
- Rice
- Beans
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Fruits
- Cereal
*Some locations can accept dairy, fresh meat, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits
Personal Hygiene Items: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash/Soap, Deodorant, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Body Lotion, Shaving Cream, Razors, Toilet Paper
Household Cleaning Supplies: Laundry Detergent, Dish Soap, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Dust Spray, Floor Cleaner
Click below to see our Amazon wish list.
About FSL
Established in 1974, FSL is dedicated to providing integrated, customized care for those who need it in the Phoenix area. We offer a wide range of home- and community-based services, including:
- Affordable housing options
- Nutritious meal programs
- Health & Wellness programs
- Senior centers
- Recreation programs
- Support for caregivers
These services are designed to enable Arizonans of all ages to live happier, healthier, more independent lives. So, if you or someone you know is struggling to have their needs met, don’t hesitate to contact us and find out how we can help you. And if you’re looking to give back, consider donating or volunteering your time to our mission. We can’t wait to work with you!
To learn about other FSL nutrition programs, click below!
