Record High Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by Adults 60+ Indicates Growing Food Insecurity among Older Arizonans

Latest data from the Department of Economic Security shows that more than 100,000 older Arizonans receiving food assistance; Almost twice as many are missing out

Advocates highlight need for simplified SNAP application to ensure eligible seniors can more easily enroll and keep benefits   

PHOENIX, ARIZ., May 4, 2021 — Arizona had more than 100,000 older adults participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) in March, which is 12 percent higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. SNAP is the country’s most efficient and cost-effective nutrition program; it helps low-income individuals and families purchase groceries. Based on data released by DES on April 30, total participation in SNAP is also still significantly higher (16 percent) than before the pandemic. 

Older Americans are more vulnerable to financial hardship as a result of the pandemic’s economic toll. With fixed incomes, recurring healthcare costs, and the rising price of essentials like food, a growing number of older adults are finding it difficult to both eat and pay their bills. 

Even before the pandemic, about 12 percent of older Arizonans faced food insecurity, which is far higher than the national average of 9.5 percent. The problem is even greater today. Despite the record numbers of older adults who participated in SNAP last month, more than 60 percent of older adults in Arizona who are eligible for SNAP benefits are not enrolled. Outreach staff and older adults themselves point to the lengthy 31-page application and complicated re-enrollment rules as significant barriers to participation. 

“Cumbersome enrollment processes are preventing some of the most vulnerable members of our community from accessing nutrition for their tables. SNAP is a lifeline for seniors living on fixed incomes,” said Arizona Food Bank Network (AzFBN) President and CEO Angie Rodgers. “We are working with the Department of Economic Security to get a waiver to simplify the application and recertification process and help more seniors.”

“Seniors are even more isolated than before COVID,” said Jessie Mendivil, Benefits Coordinator at AZCEND in the East Valley, which has programs including a food bank and a senior center. “Many don’t apply for SNAP because the process is too complicated, the application is too long, the amount they’ll receive is too low. We should be able to do more for them.”

AzFBN is currently working with DES on a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to simplify the enrollment process and improve access to healthy food for older Arizonans. The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) gives states more flexibility to increase participation in SNAP by older adults. 

“An ESAP waiver would help more seniors who are struggling with food insecurity and decrease administrative burdens and costs as more seniors enroll,” noted Rodgers.

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For additional information, contact Ashley St. Thomas at [email protected].