Tennessee Senior Citizens Feeling the Brunt of Rising Food Prices
Image Credit: Knoxville – Knox County Community Action Committee Office of Aging
The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –
More and more individuals and groups are feeling the effects of the continued cost increase of day-to-day necessities.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, food prices are at an all-time high, with a 20.7 percent increase year over year.
The most recent increase shows a new record high for vegetable oils, cereals, and meat subgroups. Dairy product and sugar pricing also increased significantly.
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The Knoxville – Knox County Community Action Committee Office of Aging reported in April that they are receiving a higher number of calls from senior citizens requesting assistance in getting food.
Dottie Lyvers, the director of the CAC, says that the increase in price has forced many seniors to give up healthier diets including fresh fruits and proteins in favor of cheaper, processed alternatives.
Nashville area non-profit FiftyForward works to help those age 50 and older with purchasing groceries. Program coordinator Kelly Donovan notes that they have had to lessen the amount that they are able to purchase for individuals because of the rising costs.
“This month alone, I had several seniors where we used to be able to get their full list of groceries and we could barely get half,” Donovan said. “It’s exceedingly frustrating. Each of them receives a $100 stipend to purchase any type of groceries they need, or we help by either delivering to their home, or they can come to the center as well.”
Donavan says that it is difficult to see that the same amount of money will not purchase nearly as many items.
“The fact that we’re not able to provide them with these sustaining groceries and sustaining items in their household, it hurts our hearts,” Donavan said.
About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History. Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com
