Charles and Laureen Braxton worked hard all their lives, but after retirement, Mr. Braxton has some medical problems that put them behind on bills and life’s other expenses. When they were nearly unable to pay for food one month, they headed to Catholic Charities which helped them stretch their budget. 61 percent of North Carolinians older than 60 have incomes that are low enough to make them eligible for the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program, which is part of the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, an updated model of the former food stamps program.

A few weeks ago, new client AARP Bulletin sent me out to the Braxton’s home to spend the day with them and illustrate some of what senior couples go through to make ends meet. It was a lovely way to spend a day, talking about jobs past, looking through family albums and watching Mrs. Braxton work on hand sewn dolls that she hopes to sell at local markets to supplement their income. Just want to thank the Braxtons for their hospitality and Michael Wichita and Ilene Bellovin at AARP for the work. Read the article here for more info and check out a few more photos below.