Senior hunger is a huge issue. As many as 10 percent of households with seniors struggle with food insecurity, which means they are not able to afford and/or access the amount of food that they need. The state of Georgia is the top ten for states with food insecure seniors, which means we have a long way to go. Read our tips below on senior hunger and prevention.
- Reach out to the seniors in your community. We all have seniors in our life, and while we may want to think they’re not struggling with food insecurity, that’s not always the case. Connect with the older adults in your family and community and connect them with resources that can help like the SNAP program, your local food bank, and SCOA.
- Get vocal about the issue. Senior hunger affects millions of older adults, and government leaders need to know how important it is to you. Talk, write to, or call local, state, and federal lawmakers and leaders to let them know how important senior hunger is to you.
- Help advocate for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). More than 5 million seniors participate in and rely on SNAP, and it’s estimated that more than half of all seniors eligible don’t even participate in the program. Tell leaders how important SNAP is and connection seniors you know to this resource if applicable.
- Support organizations working against senior hunger. Local organizations like SCOA, Feeding the Valley, and other nonprofits are working to fight senior hunger right here in Southwest Georgia. You can volunteer with us, and support fundraisers like our Empty Bowls event in March.