ORLANDO, Fla. — A 5.9% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment that kicked in at the start of 2022 could boost the incomes of many seniors high enough to reduce benefits or push them out of eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, based on federal guidelines.

Some food pantry organizers say they believe it’s one reason they’re seeing and expect to see even more neighbors in need of their services.

Many senior citizens have already been turning to food pantries to keep meals on their tables, according to Angel Coleman at Faith United Methodist Church. She has noticed more than double the number of neighbors who line up hours before the 11 a.m. start of the church’s weekly Thursday event, which includes the elderly, since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

“With medication and the food stamps, they just cannot stretch it for the month, so this is how they supplement,” Coleman said.

The ministry's free food event provides pantry staples, from nonperishable items to fresh produce. No questions are asked. The pantry has been possible through donations of leftover reserves from community partners and organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank.

Recent demand has been higher than in any of the nearly 10 years the food ministry has been open, Coleman said. She’s even delivered bags of food to community members with no means of transportation to make it out.

One of her regulars, is a woman named Grace, who did not want to reveal her last name. Her family of four, including her 5-year-old grandson, lives near the church and has been frequenting the food supply ministry for about two years.

Trying to find healthy foods for her meal preps can prove difficult because the area is also considered a food desert, meaning real grocery stores with fresh produce are not close to home.

“The price keeps going up every day so every little bit helps,” she said. “Sometimes you don’t have the money to go to the store to get fresh food. So, [food pantry] is a blessing.”

The cost of medications and changes in SNAP eligibility may be increasing demand at food pantries, one organizer says. (Spectrum News/Ashleigh Mills)

Uncertain of what kind of help people will need in the new year, Coleman said her pantry will continue to offer food and meal supplies to as many neighbors as possible.

The program has been expanding lately, too. She said she expects some changes to government assistance, and confusion, which could further the demand for the ministry.

However, Coleman said tearfully, “It warms my heart to see each of them that were able to come through, blessed.”

Grace said she plans to accept this blessing as long as she can.