NewsWest 9
WEST TEXAS- Even during an oil boom people in West Texas are feeling the effects of a slowing economy. Higher food prices are forcing families to tighten their belt and ask for help from local food banks.
"I just lost my apartment on the 15 of November and it's due to a fire and I have three small children," Lyndee Pogue, who receives help from Odessa Links, said.
Lyndee Pogue is going through tough times right now, she moved back to Odessa three years a go after she lost everything in Hurricane Rita. Now she's trying to get back on her feet.
"I mean you work the hardest you can and still when you have set backs like this, with kids is knocks you in a hole," Pogue said.
This Thanksgiving and beyond she's turning to Odessa Links for help. Pogue has a job but struggles to make ends meet, and she's one of several asking for assistance.
"We have families that are actually both employed but because of the rent and mortgages being high, they are unable to cover those rent payments," Andrea Quiroz with Odessa Links, said.
Midland's soup kitchen is also busy this year. They're expecting 400 people Thursday for a sit down meal.
"Because of the economy is really hard for them to get a meal right now, it's not the lower class, it's the middle class that we are helping right now and you see a lot people come in here in need, but they won't tell you they are in need," Nancy Ivy, with the Midland Soup Kitchen, said.
