Thousands of senior citizens in Texas are struggling to put food on their tables.

According to the U.S. Health and Human Services Commission, more are turning to food stamps for help.

The commission said there has been a 106 percent increase in seniors ages 60-64 using food stamps in Texas, compared to July 2007.

In Taylor County, there has been an 88 percent increase for that age group since June 2007.

Groups older than 65 have also been affected with more than a 30 percent increase both state and countywide since 2007.

KTXS spoke with Jody Houston, executive director of the Abilene Food Bank, Inc. who said she has also seen an increase in the number of senior citizens who need help providing food for their families.

"More and more we're seeing the elderly come in the door for help," Houston said. "When you're over 65, you've worked all your life, paid your taxes, you've raised your kids right--and then not to be able to even put food on the table--it's just really unacceptable."

Houston said she first noticed the trend after the recession hit.

But now the number of desperate senior citizens has increased.

Others have also taken note.

"We have about 170 agencies that come here and get food and they've all commented that they've seen more and more seniors," Houston said.

She said those seniors are forced to pick and choose between what necessities they can and cannot afford.

The food bank program "Fill a Pantry" serves low-income, disabled seniors. They can always use donations.

"With every dollar that's donated, we can distribute six and a quarter pounds of food and that's the equivalent of about five meals," Houston said.

Non-perishable food items can also be donated to the Food Bank's warehouse at 5505 North First Street.