Hunger impacts all age groups. Elderly people, specifically when faced with barriers to nutrition, may experience a decline in their health. There may be an increased risk for vitamin deficiencies, heart and respiratory issues, less resistance to infection, a greater change of being diagnosed with diabetes, mood decline, along with lengthier hospital stays. It was also disheartening to learn that while limited finances impact access to food purchases, some older adults were food insecure as a result of an inability to travel get to the grocery story, along with declined physical and cognitive abilities.
Although gaps and funding hurdles do remain, there are options for income challenged elders to have their nutritional needs met. One program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The goal of this “food stamp program” is to help with food purchases. The amount of monthly food assistance is based on household size and income. Unfortunately as reported in a fact sheet from the National Council on Aging, 3 out of 5 seniors who qualify for SNAP do not participate in this program. This mean that, possibly due to lack of awareness of SNAP or the inaccurate stigma associated with needing “help,” 5.2 million elders, while entitled, are not utilizing these benefits.
An innovative program focused on helping elder’s access fresh fruits, vegetables and honey is the Seniors Farmer’s Nutrition Program. This seasonal program provides income eligible elders 60 years and older with coupons which they can present at participating farmers’ markets and stands. Other programs focused on helping to provide nutritious meals to elders who are having difficulty making ends meet are the home delivered nutrition program (Meals on Wheels) and “pay what one is able” congregate dining programs. There are also food pantries and meals provided by a number of faith based and other nonprofit organizations. These programs also provide the opportunity for consumer to become more informed on healthy food options and where to find support.
As acknowledged by the Ohio Department of Aging, despite providing almost 100,000 elders with more than 8.7 million nutritious meals, many needs still go unmet.
Marci Vandersluis is a licensed social worker and has a master’s degree in gerontology. She is employed as a care manager assisting older adults in the community connect with needed services. Email: marcirobinvandersluis@gmail.com.
Learn more
Here are contacts to help address senior hunger. If a person is in need of help, then it is strongly encouraged to reach out to one of these organizations.
Home Delivered meals and Congregate Meal programs
Ohio Department of Aging's nutrition services: https://aging.ohio.gov/information/nutrition/ or call 800-266-4346
Ohio Associated of Food Banks: www.ohiofoodbanks.org or 614-221-4336
Food assistance programs
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Office of Family Assistance: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/foodstamps.stm or 800-324-8680
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