A Day in the Life: The Individual with Disabilities Battling Hunger in the Shadows

(Editor’s Note: The following is the third in a 5-part series on the Faces of Hunger in Western New York. In 2024, Olean Food Pantry compiled a media campaign highlighting the varied struggles with food insecurity in our communities. The following is a more detailed peek into the life of a person living with disabilities. While we would never directly identify pantry clients without their permission, we often see several hunger archetypes on distribution days.)

A person with disabilities wakes early in the morning after yet another restless night. Depending on the day, their restlessness could be due to any number of factors: pain, worry, depression, confusion, etc. 

The chatter of anxious thoughts has them awake long before the sun comes up and they face the world without many of the physical and mental tools most people take for granted. They’re hungry for breakfast, but their meager disability check didn’t leave much extra for groceries this month. They’ll have to visit Olean Food Pantry soon, but not before navigating quite a few hurdles first.

This person who lives with disabilities is battling hunger in ways that only make sense if you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.

A Mile in Their Shoes: People with Disabilities Battle Hunger in Unique Ways

Our friend living with disabilities eases into the day slowly. Simple tasks like getting out of bed and brushing their teeth take more effort than most people realize. Their body moves slower and their mind works harder to plan every small step. Still, they carry on, fueled by determination and a quiet hope for better days.

This is the reality for countless individuals with disabilities who face hunger and hardship in our rural Western New York communities. Their struggles are often unseen, but their strength is nothing short of remarkable.

Morning: Facing Barriers Before Breakfast

Breakfast is often a hurried affair, though it’s not for lack of time. This individual with disabilities keeps their meals small to make their pantry provisions last longer. A slice of toast or a bowl of oatmeal — items generously provided by Olean Food Pantry — has to be enough to start the day.

Transportation is always a challenge. Living in a rural area, public transit is limited and their disability now makes driving impossible. Today, they’ve arranged a ride to the doctor’s office with a neighbor, one of the few people who understands their situation. But even this kind act comes with its own challenges: they need to time their medications perfectly to manage pain and fatigue for the trip.

The doctor’s visit is routine, but it’s exhausting. There are forms to fill out, medical jargon to decipher and a subtle but ever-present feeling of being rushed. They leave with a prescription and a sinking realization that it might not get filled this month — there’s simply no money left after paying for rent and utilities.

Midday: Navigating Invisible Challenges

By the time they return home, hunger has set in. But so has fatigue. Making lunch feels like climbing a mountain. They heat up a can of soup and savor every bite. They’re grateful for Olean Food Pantry’s support, but the small meal is a stark reminder of its limitations. They’re able to serve thousands of people each month, but of course, they’d love to be able to serve more.

The afternoon is spent trying to tackle necessary errands. On days when mobility is better, they might attempt a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy. But today, their energy is spent. Instead, they sit at the kitchen table, sorting through bills and paperwork for assistance programs. The forms are confusing; the process overwhelming. Each call to a service hotline feels like pleading for dignity, and they often end the day with more questions than answers.

Afternoon: Isolation in the Shadows

As the day stretches on, the individual with disabilities wrestles with isolation. Their disability often limits their ability to join social gatherings or community events, at least without help. Invitations stopped coming long ago — friends didn’t know how to accommodate their needs, or they simply grew tired of hearing, “I’m sorry, I can’t make it.”

They try to stay connected in other ways. A phone call to a family member; a few minutes scrolling through social media. But these interactions can feel bittersweet. Seeing others enjoy meals out or trips to the park is a reminder of the human connection they sometimes feel is out of reach.

Despite the isolation, their spirit remains resilient. They’ve learned to find joy in small things — a favorite song on the radio, the comfort of a soft blanket, the kindness of a neighbor dropping by with fresh vegetables from their neighborhood community garden.

Evening: Finding Strength in Routine

Dinner is another small meal, perhaps pasta with canned sauce or a tuna sandwich. They portion it carefully, knowing there are still days to go before their next pantry visit. Hunger pangs are a familiar companion, but our friend is used to pushing them aside.

The evening is their time to unwind, though it’s hard to relax completely. Financial worries loom large. They wonder how they’ll pay for the medications they need, whether they’ll be able to keep the lights on next month, and how long they can stretch the support they receive.

As they prepare for bed, their body aches from the day’s efforts. But their mind is already planning for tomorrow — another day of navigating barriers, advocating for themselves and finding strength in the face of adversity.

Disabilities & Food Insecurity: An Often Unseen Community 

The individual with disabilities represents a community that often goes unseen. Their struggles are unique, shaped by systemic barriers and a lack of resources. Hunger is just one piece of a larger puzzle, but it’s a piece that impacts every aspect of their life.

At Olean Food Pantry, we’re committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing nutritious food, compassionate care, and access to resources. Their resilience inspires us to do better, to fight harder, and to build a community where no one is left behind.

Every dollar, every volunteer hour and every donation makes a difference. With your support, we can continue to serve individuals with disabilities and others facing hunger in Western New York. Together, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive, compassionate community.

Join us in the fight against hunger. Donate today!

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A Day in the Life: The Individual with Disabilities Battling Hunger in the Shadows
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