Our Impact

Melvin has been a resident of Benton for more than 40 years. Together with his wife, he raised seven children in the community.

“My wife, me and her, had a big family,” he said. “Married 46 years before cancer took her.”

Melvin worked as a mechanic most of his life to support his family, which has grown to include 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He began visiting one of Southeast Missouri Food Bank’s partner food pantries about a year ago when he needed a little extra help. Now, he receives a Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) senior box each month. The box of shelf-stable items helps him stretch his groceries throughout the month.

“I use everything, pretty much all the time,” he said. “I like the meats and stuff they give here lately. … Everything in there I use. It’s really helpful.”

CSFP is a USDA program for low-income seniors, providing about 35 to 40 pounds of nutritious food each month, including protein and dairy items. It is one of several federal nutrition programs that provide relief to people like Melvin.

Melvin shared that he does not qualify for SNAP.

“I just make it the best way I can,” he said. “I draw a little over enough (money) to get food stamps, like $20, just about $20 too much is what they told me; that’s what the letter said.”