We met Beverly at the Salvation Army in Grand Junction where she was picking up food distributed through TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), a program of the USDA. Beverly told us she’s in remission from a rare form of cancer. After intensive chemo treatments, her bones and blood are compromised and now, after a lifetime of helping others, she is unable to work.
She also deals with an ostomy and getting the right combination of foods to prevent issues means her diet is limited. “It’s easier to tell you what I can safely eat,” she tells us. “No canned or fresh fruits or vegetables, very limited grains, mostly just potatoes and chicken.”
Beverly lives in a housing complex for elderly and disabled. She only qualifies for $50 of SNAP benefits each month, so she depends on help from the Salvation Army and Food Bank of the Rockies. “We need to take care of our disabled and less fortunate. Because of my health, I have to depend on the charity of others. If people don’t help, then people like me are going to be out of luck.” Beverly is appreciative of the help she receives and we thank her for sharing her story with us.
