TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) -- America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend received a boost Wednesday from the Association for Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP) and it's charitable affiliate, the AARP foundation, with the hopes of saving it's Senior Grocery Program that services more than 600 seniors in the Big Bend.
Late August, Second Harvest's CEO, Jim Croteau announced the program was being suspended because of funding constraints. The $12,000 donated by AARP should keep the program alive for about 4 months...
It is only a temporary solution, but it buys some time for the United Way of the Big Bend and other local groups to find a way to save the Senior Grocery Program.
"A lot of these people are having to choose between having enough to eat, or having the drugs that help keep them alive", said Dave Bruns, Communications Manager of AARP Florida. "That's a really tough place to be in."
An especially tough place to be in with the holidays right around the corner. This temporary support will bridge the gap leading right into a time of year where Second Harvest typically sees increased donations.
"And this really kicks off a larger community response", said Jim Croteau, CEO of America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend. "We're working with some of the churches in the community to help raise enough funds so we'll continue the program throughout the year. And the goal is to get 36,000 dollars in the bank so to speak, so that we don't have to worry about the program for the rest of the year."
Since 2011, the AARP foundation has donated nearly $2 million to groups to help find long-term solutions for senior hunger.
To learn more, visit America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend's website and AARP Florida's website.
