Seniors

At Food Share’s College Park drive-thru food distribution, we met two neighbors waiting patiently in line: Cecilio and Chuys. Though their stories are different, both shared the same concern many families across Ventura County are facing right now — the rising cost of simply getting by. Cecilio came to the United States decades ago and spent 45 years working hard to build a better life. He retired last year, hoping to finally enjoy a well-earned rest. Instead, he now worries about...

At 75, Louise from Port Hueneme had always worked hard to stay independent. But when degenerative wrist pain forced her to stop her part-time job and federal benefits were cut, she suddenly found herself facing an impossible choice between rent and food. “I made a good salary,” she shared, “but after paying $1,450 in rent, there’s just not enough left for food some months.” Louise discovered Food Share while looking for volunteer opportunities. She began attending distributions to supplement her diet with...

“It’s hard to ask for help—so I’m thankful when help shows up.” At 73, Pat has lived a full life marked by service, survival, and resilience. We met him recently at our College Park drive-thru food distribution in Oxnard, where he shared a bit of his story. A divorced veteran living alone in a modest one-bedroom apartment in Port Hueneme, Pat carefully budgets every dollar of his $2,295 monthly Social Security check. After rent, Medigap insurance, and Medicare premiums, he’s left with...