Utah
“When you’re working, before you retire and everything, you think you’re going to do really okay,” says Judy. She and her husband, Steve, always thought these would be the years they had to enjoy each other’s company after raising ten children. Driving trucks for soda companies was Steve’s main source of income until he suffered a bout of adult onset polio. Natural tendencies to help others before herself drew Judy to advocacy work until she retired.
Now the two receive $1400 a month between social security and disability checks. Yet they still find they have to rely on Logan Food Pantry’s monthly food distribution. Their money can’t cover the hefty medical bills that eat into their monthly stipend. Medicaid and Medicare spend outs decrease what the Judy and Steve have left by $400. Uncovered medications, such as a $15-per-day prescription Steve needs to take, put the two further behind. And of course, there are those uncontrollable circumstances, such as Judy’s recent heart surgery, that make budgeting for food a tricky ordeal.
Despite their financial problems, the two remain steadfastly nurturing and optimistic. They see their struggling friends around them who have to rely on only one source of income, which makes them extremely grateful that they have each other.
FInd out more about the Utah Food Bank.