Preventing Senior Hunger

More than five million seniors are food insecure here in the U.S., and at SCOA, we think even one is too many. Seniors in Southern states like Georgia are at an even higher risk of being food insecure, and this is a huge problem. In today’s article, we’ll talk about preventing senior hunger.

  • Know your resources. While senior hunger is a big issue, there are programs in place that can help combat this issue. The 216,000 meals that SCOA provides to seniors and adults with disabilities in our 14-county region, either through our congregate meals or home delivered meals, are one example of a resource available to many seniors in need. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is also a great resource for food insecure seniors, but only about 48 percent of adults who qualify are currently enrolled. Additionally, other nonprofits like Feeding the Valley and even churches provide food assistance to many in need. Educate yourself on these programs and organizations, so you know what’s available for your or seniors you know. 
  • Support SCOA. As mentioned above, SCOA serves more than 216,000 meals to more than 1700 older adults and adults with disabilities in a 14-county area. To do that, we need our community’s continued support. We have several fundraisers each year including Empty Bowls, Comedy Night, and Serving Up Meals Tennis Tournament. These are all great ways to support our organization and help us to continue providing meals to seniors here in Southwest Georgia.
  • Advocate for SNAP. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is used by many seniors each year, and there are even more seniors who qualify for this program. SNAP improves health outcomes and helps fill the gap for many seniors and other individuals. Educate yourself on the benefits of SNAP and advocate for the program with your leaders and lawmakers.
  • Look out for seniors you know. While it’s great to think about the bigger picture and helping prevent senior hunger overall, we also need to look out for the individuals we know who may be at risk of going hungry. Check in on friends, neighbors, and other loved ones to make sure they are okay. Bring them meals if you can and talk to them about senior hunger. Educate them on programs like SNAP and SCOA’s meal program. You never know how much of an impact you may be able to make.

Click here to learn about our upcoming Senior Hunger Listening Session.

SOURCE: https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-snap-and-senior-hunger