TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A growing number of seniors in the Big Bend and Tallahassee are facing a harsh reality \u2014 not knowing where their next meal will come from.<\/p>\n
At Elder Care Services of the Big Bend, the demand for help is rising, but resources aren\u2019t keeping up with demand. <\/p>\n
The organization\u2019s food pantry, a lifeline for older adults living on fixed incomes, is now running dangerously low. <\/p>\n
Shelves that once held essential items like canned meats, vegetables and ready-made meals are nearly empty, and the need is only growing. <\/p>\n
Elder Care Services says from this time last year to now, they have seen a 56% increase in the number of food bags they\u2019re giving out. <\/p>\n
And without increased donations and community support, Elder Care Services COO Nicole Ballas said the situation could get worse, leaving some of the community\u2019s most vulnerable without the nutrition they need to survive. <\/p>\n
\u201cMany seniors are on a fixed income; they only have a certain amount they can spend every month. So, as costs rise, they don\u2019t have the extra funds to cover that difference there. If you only have so much a month, something has got to give, and I think for many right now, sadly, that\u2019s food,\u201d Ballas said. <\/p>\n
Elder Care Services takes all non-perishable food items, canned proteins, canned fruit and canned vegetables, preferably in easy-open cans so seniors can access them.<\/p>\n
For more information about donating, visit Elder Care Service\u2019s website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n