CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Most seniors live on a fixed income and the Coastal Bend Food Bank (CBFB) has launched a new program to help those in need.

The Senior Box Program will now be a permanent part of the CBFB. It only existed during the pandemic, but when it was distributed, it was clear that many older people were in need.

Concetta Motto is one of the nearly 400 seniors who came to the CBFB to pick up their Senior Box.

“You can’t even go to the grocery store without spending $100 or more, and that’s not even enough to last a few weeks,” Motto said.

“This is our very first mobile food pantry for the elderly, and we will now be offering it on a regular basis for seniors ages 60 and older,” said Bea Hanson, executive director of the Coastal Bend Food Bank.

She added that the program is extremely important because many seniors live on a fixed income.

“We’ve found some older couples or singles who have reduced their food intake to once a day, and that’s not healthy. They need three meals a day, they need protein and vegetables, and that’s what we do, we make sure they get that,” Hanson said.

Motto said that without the CBFB, she doesn’t know how she will get through the month. She told KRIS 6 News that she lives alone and groceries are getting more and more expensive.

“Without programs like this, people wouldn’t eat. Some people only have this once a month,” she said.

Motto said this program not only helps her make ends meet, but also helps her stay healthy.

“Every month I’m excited to see what I get because everything is fresh and delicious, everything is good, the quality is really good and I love it and look forward to it every month,” Motto said.

CBFB is committed to combating food insecurity and strives to improve the quality of life of older community members and ensure they have access to vital resources at all times.

For more information about the Senior Food Box Program and to register, click here or contact Megan Tedder, Senior Feeding Program Specialist, at 361.887.6291, extension 5118.