STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Westerleigh resident Patricia Brooks, 70, loves oranges. But these days, oranges can be pricey, especially when she has to budget her entire month’s food shopping bill to just a little over $200, which is what she receives through the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“Once in a while they have oranges at the food pantry, but not every week. And, you know, I would like to buy a bag, but they are very expensive,” she said. “Oranges are my favorite fruit.”

After working her whole life in fast food and chain shops, including Starbucks and McDonald’s, Brooks retired eight years ago. She lives on her $1,087 Social Security benefits, which after the rent share for her Section 8 apartment -- a federal housing assistance program -- and bills,

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