Siouxland Seniors in Need

Siouxland Seniors in Need

Siouxland Aging Services have released a study showing that more senior citizens in Iowa are going hungry. 4% percent of the elderly in Iowa suffer from poor nutrition, and out of 50 states, Iowa ranks 41st in terms of its senior citizens being well fed.

These results are shocking service representatives.

Chris Kuckta, from Siouxland Aging Services, says, "Iowa produces a large number of the crops and from those crops people are fed, however, we're finding seniors in Iowa – whether it's urban or rural – are not getting the nutrition they need."

In order to try to offset the numbers of local hungry seniors, Siouxland Aging Services provides a "Meals on Wheels" program that delivers prepared meals to those in need. But in order for programs like this to be successful, it takes a lot of help from reliable volunteers.

And it's easy to help those in need when we have enough to give, but what about someone who's lost their job?

One unemployed Siouxland woman says her talents and faith are helping her to assist others. She volunteers for a group of people that she believes needs it the most.

Sioux City Volunteer, Connie Hancock, says, "I prefer to help the elderly because number one, I think the need is greater there, they don't get as much assistance."

But Hancock isn't your typical volunteer. Two years ago, she lost her job at Tyson Foods. And at a time when most would begin looking for help themselves, she decided to help others.

Hancock says, "If I couldn't work, if I couldn't find a job, this is putting my talents and my abilities to good use."

When she found out about the number of Iowa's senior citizens that go hungry due to a variety of reasons she wanted to help.

One Siouxland Senior, Bette Mitchell, says, "I thank the Lord for the volunteers that bring my meals. I understand they don't receive a salary."

But while she may not be receiving any money, Hancock says she does get compensated in another way.

Hancock says, "I just get a lot of satisfaction out of it."

Siouxland Aging Services say volunteers like Hancock are needed even more now that Winter has set in, a time when it's hard for the elderly to get around on icy roads and brave the cold.

If you're interested in volunteering, contact Chris Kuchta at Siouxland Aging Services at 712-279-6900