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Food for seniors program ending in SWFL

Posted at 10:45 PM, Apr 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-19 23:53:02-04
SWFL - 2,300 seniors in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties will lose a vital food assistance program effective July 1st. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program helps those who cannot afford to buy their own food.
 
"I do not have help with the rent or anything so that will take up a big part of my monthly stipend," said Carrol Thomas of Naples.
 
CSFP is run by the Harry Chapin Food Bank, which says the state re-evaluated the program and decided not enough seniors in Southwest Florida needed it.
 
"We have been communicating and will continue to communicate with these seniors about what other programs are available that they can go to," said Harry Chapin CEO Richard Leber.
 
Carrol is already on food stamps, she's seen that program cut as well.
 
"Very deeply, it's probably not a quarter or about a quarter of what I had," said Carrol.
 
Carrol says one of the toughest parts about this ordeal is seeking help in the first place.
she needs it now more than ever.
 
"I just will have to change my attitude and decide I'm one that needs it too."
 
Sen. Katheen Passidomo (R-Naples) is asking lawmakers to restore some funding to the program, but the Harry Chapin Food Bank would have to raise money to make up for the rest of it.