Monterey, CA Food Banks Getting Squeezed As More Seniors And Low Income Households Cope With Inflation

A table filled with lots of food and candles.


Food banks are struggling to meet growing demand as inflation hits a 40-year high and seniors on a fixed income and other low-income households turn to Food Banks and other charities to help cope with their strained budgets.  The price of food at the grocery store rose 10% in March compared to March of 2020, while food prices in restaurants were 6.9% higher than in March of 2021, according to the Labor Department’s most recent consumer-price index.  “You will continue to see folks come into food banks who are seniors, who are undocumented individuals, and persons who suffer from disabilities,†Allison Korn, the director of the Food Law & Policy Clinic at UCLA, told the Wall Street Journal.  Please support Dorothy’s Place, Meals on Wheels, Monterey Food Bank, United Way and other local charities that help feed the poor and homeless.

Social Security Tips To Avoid Income Tax Surprises

A blue and white logo of the social security administration.


Many seniors are surprised to find out that their Social Security benefits are taxable, and the bill can be significant.  The amount that is taxable for an individual earning $25K to $34K is 50%, while if you make more than $34K then 85% of your benefits are probably taxable.  What to do when you don’t want a surprise come April 15 is to fill out Form W-4V with The Social Security Administration requesting an amount to be withheld for taxes.  The choices are 7%, 10%, 12% and 22%.  These percentages apply to the full income, not the 50% or 85% that is taxable.    Most states, including California, do not tax Social Security income.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/powell/2021/03/17/2021-tax-season-are-social-security-benefits-considered-taxable-income/4717044001/