While many appreciate gas prices dropping by the dime, it has only been the beginning of a struggle for Less and his family.
“I was finishing up a job and was supposed to start another that following Monday,” Less, 41, said. “But, they told me they didn’t need anyone. It came out of the blue.”
Less’ wife, Jennifer, was a homemaker raising their seven children ranging in ages 5 to 18 years old. But with Less having little luck finding another job that pays enough to support their family, Jennifer began looking for work, too.
“I was making enough that she could stay home and raise the kids, but not now,” Less said. “It’s a real struggle when it’s something you’re not used to.”
Less has turned to the Capital Area Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry in Rockdale to help provide where he cannot.
“I need food for the family,” Less said. “I have lots of mouths to feed, and for the first time I’m hopeful this will help.”
Less is one of many Central Texans who have turned to the Food Bank in a period of distress. This year, 62 percent of Food Bank client households had their most-employed family member out of work at some point within the past 12 months.
Less said his family has prioritized necessities, resulting in many utility bills and other expenses being unpaid and an increase in debt.
Like less, 83 percent of Central Texas households reported having to choose between paying for food and utilities in the past 12 months.
“I used to be that person who wanted lower gas prices until it ended up hurting my family,” Less said.
A majority of clients needing food assistance are not homeless; 93 percent of Food Bank client are working men and women but, because of low wages, fall short of affording necessities.
Food assistance frees up an additional expense, and clients are able to use money they would have spent on food on other necessities, such as electricity, rent or clothing.
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