Many older adults are struggling with food insecurity or just loneliness. A new senior center in the West Valley that aims to make life a little easier.
Sandy Mitchell comes to the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, which opened about a month and a half ago, every day.
"This is my table," she said with a laugh. "I will always sit at it. And then this is the Monday ladies, they only come here on Mondays."
Besides socializing, she enjoys lunch and stops by the food pantry.
"I just have a retirement income coming in. And so, I have to pay for gas, utilities, all that good stuff. And this really saves money for me."
Mitchell is one of a couple hundred people who come through the pantry daily.
Julie Ash is the center’s Community Outreach representative.
"So as you can see we set this up as a grocery store," explained Ash.
Ash says there’s some dignity in that, so folks, like Mitchell, can pop in and take what they need.
"Our volume has increased quite a bit because people can't afford it ... like they can't afford to go to the grocery store and get what they need. But at least they can always come here and get fresh fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, fruits and vegetables cost more," Ash said.
Anyone in the community is welcome here. All they have to do is declare a need.
