The stigma around utilizing our pantry seems even stronger among older individuals. Often, I hear things that make me think they don’t want to be a burden like, “only if you have enough,” or “I don’t want to take from someone else in need.” I hear people minimizing their own needs while also sharing challenges around affording medical expenses on a fixed income. If utilizing our pantry to save on food helps people afford housing or medication, that’s important. Older adults aren’t taking away from anyone by accessing our pantry – this food is for them, too. Our older clients also tend to be more waste-savvy -- they even taught me! When I first came here, I would sometimes think a fruit was too bruised, but a client would say to me, “I’ll just cut out that piece, let’s not waste the rest of it.” I notice sometimes younger clients are more likely to overlook bruised fruit. Now, we have almost zero food waste here.