By USDR
A Bread for the World analysis released today indicates that hunger among senior Americans is on the rise. However, federal nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) have helped slow the increase in hunger among this age group.
“Our grandparents who worked hard all their lives now have to choose between eating or purchasing their medication,” said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. “This is a choice no one, especially the elderly, should have to make in a country as rich as ours.”
Seniors – adults age 65 and older – make up 12.9 percent of the U.S. population. The analysis, “Keeping the Dream Alive: Hunger by the Numbers Among Older Americans,” indicates that 3.9 million seniors live below the poverty line.
The amount of seniors experiencing hunger increased by 88 percent between 2001 and 2011. Programs like SNAP and Meals on Wheels have helped curb this rise. However, if trends continue, the hungry elderly will increase by 50 percent.
Unfortunately, cuts to safety net programs like SNAP as well as the stigma attached to these programs have prevented some seniors from receiving the support they need.
“We must protect these vital programs and erase the stigma that prevents many seniors from applying for these programs,” said Beckmann. “These programs are a ‘hand-up,’ not a handout.” Bread’s analysis, “Keeping the Dream Alive: Hunger by the Numbers Among Older Americans” coincides with the observance of Older Americans Month in the United States.
For more analysis, see “Keeping the Dream Alive: Hunger by the Numbers Among Older Americans.”
Bread for the World (www.bread.org) is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.
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