Belt-tightening continues as economy staggers

Merrill Miller didn’t need the latest World Bank report on the economy to know times are still tough.
Miller was among the hundreds waiting Thursday for the monthly commodities distribution at Douglass Community Services in Hannibal.
“The economy is something else right now,” Miller said. “It’s a really sad time. You appreciate being here (at Douglass) because it’s hard to make it.”
Peggy Walley, Douglass’ support services director, said the number of families seeking assistance is rising.
The non-profit agency distributes commodities to an average of 400 families a month and serves another 70 to 80 families at its emergency food pantry.
“We’ve seen a lot of people who say they’ve never had to do this before,” Walley said.
Douglass hopes to increase the number of older people it serves with food programs. Only about 100 participate monthly now.
“I know there are a lot of seniors out there who need it,” she said. “We want them to call and see if they qualify.”
Robert “Frog” Noel is 66 and said he couldn’t get by without the free commodities.
“When you get hungry, you get un-proud really quick,” Noel said. “I’d be driving in a Dumpster” if it weren’t for the monthly distribution.
The World Bank’s latest report said the global economy remained “unusually uncertain” and that a turnaround was expected to be slower than predicted earlier.
Tonya Jeffries, who has four children to feed, knows all about it.
“I can’t find a job right now,” Jeffries said. “There is no jobs available in Hannibal right now.”
Neva Brunk started visiting Douglass regularly a couple of months ago. She has a part-time job, but is finding it harder to make ends meet.
“My rent’s going up,” Brunk said. “My electric bill’s going up. I’m having to pay more for food. Gas is high.”
“Times are tough,” agreed Mike Degaro as he stood in line to get commodities. “I don’t have enough. That’s why I come here.”
A.J. Williams has three children and a baby due this month.
“It’s getting a lot tougher,” Williams said. “Prices are going up on everything.”
Despite their circumstances, many commodities recipients remain optimistic.
“It’s been bad before and it’s gotten better,” Jeffries said.
“I see a light,” Miller added. “I see some good things now.”