Older adults are often overlooked when it comes to the conversation about food insecurity, but this rapidly growing population is an important one to spotlight.
Why?
According to AARP, 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day. This makes older adults fastest growing population in the nation. and tragically, according to Feeding America, they are the fastest growing food insecure population, too.
So what can we do to solve this growing problem?
SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formally known as Food Stamps) is the most effective federal program at addressing food insecurity. It provides reliable funds that allow people to choose what type of food they’d like to purchase.
So step one – tell older adults that SNAP exists, and might be able to help!
The problem? Only 1/3 of adults older than 60 that are eligible for SNAP are participating. This means that for every one older adult getting SNAP, there are 2 more that could! To address this, AzFBN created materials that inform older adults of their potential eligibility and has been working extensively with community-based partners to increase awareness about the program.
Step two – make it easier to get SNAP!
While SNAP is a wonderful program, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. AzFBN is advocating for a number of changes to the SNAP experience. In 2021, this work led to older adults being able to take advantage of the Standard Medical Deduction which could increase the amount of benefits received monthly. Other modifications to the program just got instituted, and reduced the application by more than 20 pages!
Step three – ask other people and organizations to spread the word, and make sure everyone knows about programs that can help!
We’re also connecting older adults to other programs that are available to them. Often, the operators of the various programs don’t communicate with one another, or just don’t know that other programs exist; we’re working to remedy that so that there is a more comprehensive and holistic approach to supporting the food needs of Arizona’s older adults. Through a closer-knit network supporting older adults, they’ll be able to access additional resources, such as congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, special senior food boxes, and more to fill in the gaps so that they can age with dignity.
Where older adults find help today?
Area Agency on Aging locations are found throughout the state and in many areas offer both group (congregate) meal settings and facilitate Meals on Wheels.
The Commodity Senior Food Program is a monthly box program aimed to meet the needs of older adults.
The Senior Farmer Market Food Program allows for older adults that meet income requirements to claim vouchers to be used at participating farmer markets throughout the state.
SNAP is available for those who qualify. Those needing help with the application can locate an Assistor to walk them through the application and answer any questions along the way.
AzFBN is dedicated to ensuring that older adults throughout the state are aware of what is available to them. Below are resources that anyone can print and share!
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