Senior Citizens Weighed Down by Food Insecurity
There are several factors that increase a senior's risk for food insecurity. Seniors who are people of color, unemployed, live alone, and/or have a disability are at a greater risk of food-insecurity and hunger. The risk also increases if they are recently divorced or did not complete higher education.
Living in Arizona can be a risk as well. Arizona is plagued with food deserts, or areas that have low or no access to grocery stores or markets. For senior citizens with mobility issues, food deserts can be even more dangerous and taxing. These hardships and limited access can be reduced with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP/EBT (formerly food stamps) can be an excellent way to combat food-insecurity within this age group. The program offers year-round support to older people. It also connects senior community members to nutritious food that is essential to their health. Because SNAP can only be used for food, it can reduce the pressure to make tough decisions like choosing between medication or eating. Double Up Food Bucks Arizona helps stretch these benefits even further, and helps customers bring home more fresh, healthy produce.
Many senior citizens could benefit immensely from programs like SNAP, but only 42 percent of eligible seniors choose to participate in it. Unfortunately, SNAP is heavily stigmatized and messaging about the program sometimes is not received well. Also, mobility challenges and a lack of resources and accurate information can prevent older people from getting the help they need.
Supporting policy and initiatives that increase senior citizens’ access to food can help fight food insecurity. As we get older, the importance of our health grows. Food-insecurity and hunger have negative impacts on the health of seniors. With everyone’s help, seniors can live healthier lives without food hardships.