Across Cook County, food programs care for older adults

Hursell Dolly has lived in his apartment building in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood for almost 40 years.

Dolly, 70, lived there with his mother until she passed away in 2012. After she had a stroke in 1991, he became her full-time caretaker. It made sense, he said, considering her years dedicated to raising and caring for him.

“She did the same for me,” Dolly said. “So it’s just payback.”

In partnership with the Food Depository, his apartment complex – the Pines of Edgewater – runs a monthly food pantry for older adults living in its buildings. It’s a big help, Dolly said, especially as inflation causes gas prices and other bills to rise.

“In this day and time, every little bit helps,” he said.

Older adults can be greatly affected by food insecurity. Barriers like living on fixed incomes due to retirement, physical limitations or other medical disabilities can make it difficult to balance affording groceries with other needs.

In addition to more than 700 traditional community partners that serve people of all ages, the Food Depository also works with more than 180 older adult food distributions to support those in need. These distributions largely take place at community centers or residential facilities.

Food assistance is just one of the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s strategies for ending hunger. We also address the root causes of hunger through public benefits outreach and job training programs that offer support for our neighbors to overcome poverty.

On behalf of our neighbors throughout Cook County, like Hursell Dolly, thank you for your support of the Greater Chicago Food Depository! The need is great, but together we are greater.