12/16/2013 – More Montana seniors rely on food programs to fill cupboards (Billings Gazette)

After O.D. Etter was in a head-on crash, he could no longer work, and money for groceries dwindled.

“I had a good hunting rifle I was able to pawn off and get enough to kind of keep things going,” said Etter, who is almost 75.

At the time, Etter was desperate, and the rifle brought in maybe $150.

The retired minister was disabled in the accident, and since then has sought help to fill his cupboards. He is one of a growing number of seniors in Montana who rely on food programs. Last year, the Missoula Food Bank saw a 14 percent increase in the number of seniors coming through the door; since 2000, the demand on its store from all clients nearly doubled.