Today’s tight financial situation has nearly half the country stretched beyond its abilities to afford the necessities of everyday living. These necessities are healthcare, childcare, transportation, food, shelter and technology. USA Today recently reported that 44% of all Americans had trouble paying for at least one of these basic needs in the last year. Local ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families fall into this category. According to the Pew Research Report of October 2026, 20% of all Americans have visited food banks in the past year.
The elderly are particularly hard hit by inflation and rising costs. Seniors are the only population segment that has seen a rise in its poverty rate every year since 2020 when the rate was 9.4%. In 2025 the poverty rate for Americans aged 65 and older jumped to 15.4%. (Indianapolis Star, Oct. 11, 2025).
Meet Orville, an 80-plus widower who is a specialist in stretching dollars. Orville lives alone in a one room, half bath apartment on the edge of town. Esther, his nearest relative, lives in Cincinnati. Low vision and a tight budget leave Orville without transportation. While Crawfordsville Area Transportation is available, it can’t provide the flexibility he requires. Social isolation, loneliness and a lack of technology have shrunk Orville’s world. Difficult food accessibility and high prices leave him hungry some days, but his income pushes him just beyond qualifying for SNAP benefits.
At FISH Food Pantry, seniors are among the top groups of neighbors served. Orville’s first visit offered friendly faces, casual conversation and the opportunity to select his own groceries. High protein items specifically for seniors are stocked in one refrigerator, special add-ons to their regular shopping. FISH nourishes both bodies and spirits.
Since January, nearly 450 new users have come to rely on the pantry. The FISH budget is strained to provide monthly nutrition for nearly 1,500 individuals. This situation is similar to the influx of neighbors when SNAP benefits were suspended by the government in 2025.
Monetary donations from individuals, churches, organizations, schools, businesses and service organizations keep the doors open. Grant monies provide additional funding. In-kind donations of food and in-season produce help.
However, FISH still must purchase additional food to stock the shelves and fill the freezers. This monthly grocery bill now averages around $7,000.
Donors are urged to increase their contributions by several dollars this year. The extra revenue will help provide cash to spend on food. Mail contributions to P.O Box 261, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.
Is your group planning to sponsor a holiday food drive? These drives help to sustain the pantry through the lean months of January to June. Industries, churches, service clubs, businesses, schools and individuals can call 765-362-3474 to determine the pantry’s exact needs. Please arrange in advance for product delivery during November and December. Extra volunteers must be scheduled to help.
Thank you for supporting the pantry as well as the FISH Linen and Clothing Closets. FISH is so grateful for the generosity which our community continues to share as we strive to meet the needs of our neighbors.
Elaine Chase is co-president of FISH. She contributes a monthly column to the Journal Review.
