Senior Hunger
Every year, millions of older Americans—people who have helped build our nation—suffer from food insecurity. They may experience hunger, are near hunger, or are undernourished because they lack access to wholesome foods. In a nation of plenty, it is unacceptable that so many senior citizens are in need of food. Many charitable organizations and government programs address senior hunger, but a number of additional public policy steps will help reduce the scope of senior hunger even further.
Hunger Among Older Americans: Challenges and Consequences
Why should you be concerned about hunger among older Americans? Read below to learn about the challenges hungry seniors face and the impact of senior hunger on our nation.
Poverty and Fixed Incomes
Low-income and fixed-income older Americans are often hard-pressed to pay their bills. Many are frequently forced to limit their food intake to compensate for costs of housing, heat, and most especially medicine.
Older Americans in Rural Communities
Compared with urban and suburban areas, rural communities have a larger proportion of residents who are senior citizens. Because of low population densities, affordable supermarkets may not be accessible, forcing older Americans to spend more money for less food in smaller markets and convenience stores. Isolation from food assistance programs and few transportation options can also limit access to food for seniors living in rural communities.
Low Participation in Food Assistance Programs
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the most important component of our nation’s food safety net, yet only 30 percent of people age 60 and older who are eligible for SNAP benefits participate in the program. A cumbersome application process, misunderstanding about food assistance programs, a lack of access to government offices, and perceived stigma all limit senior access to food. Some federal food assistance programs that target older Americans are not available in all states, and many other programs have waiting lists due to insufficient funding.
Impact on Health
Hunger and undernourishment can impact the health of any person, but older Americans are particularly vulnerable. Good nutrition contributes substantially to the health, self-sufficiency, and quality of life for seniors. At the same time, older Americans are at greater risk for illnesses tied to poor nutrition, including deficiency diseases and impaired digestion. Impaired health caused by poor nutrition also impacts private- and public-sector healthcare costs.
Policy Recommendations to Fight Senior Hunger
We strongly support policy initiatives that can help combat—and even end—hunger for older Americans. Below are just some of the policies and programs we are fighting to strengthen and protect.
Promote Access to the SNAP
Eligible older Americans have the lowest participation rate of any group that qualifies for SNAP benefits. States should take steps to simplify the application process for SNAP benefits, improve education and outreach to older Americans about the program, and reduce other barriers to accessing the program.
Increase Funding and Promotion of Other Food Assistance Programs
In addition to SNAP, many seniors qualify for support from other federal food assistance programs, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Unfortunately, this program reaches pockets of seniors in parts of only 32 states. Overall, less than half a million seniors are able to access this important nutrition assistance program. Unfortunately, federal funding for home-delivered and congregate meals to seniors has remained flat despite the growing demographics of the senior population nationwide. Support for food assistance programs specifically focused on the needs of the elderly should be increased.
Extend Tax Deductions
Meaningful tax incentives will help expand donations of food to charitable organizations that provide food assistance to older Americans. The tax code should allow all business tax payers to deduct the fair market value of food that they donate. In addition to supermarkets, small businesses, restaurants, ranchers, and farmers should be eligible for tax deductions for donated food. Without tax incentives, it is often more affordable for farmers to dump food than to donate it, and billions of pounds of food goes to waste every year. Tax deductions for transportation services will also promote the distribution of food.
Increase Commodity Food Distribution through TEFAP
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a U.S. government program that provides food at no cost to low-income Americans in need of short-term hunger relief, is a critical lifeline for millions of people. This program is particularly important to seniors because it provides them with highly nutritious commodity foods, such as meat proteins, fruit juice, and canned vegetables and fruits. This program should be increased to make these wholesome commodities more readily available to the people who need them the most.
More Resources
Want to learn more about child hunger? Click the links below for more information on how children are affected by hunger and what we’re doing to help.
Nutrition Services Incentive Program
Child & Adult Care Food Program
Food Stamp Program