SENIOR HUNGER
FOR MANY OF LOUISIANA'S SENIORS, IT'S AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE. BUT NOT FOR YOU.
Louisiana is ranked 3rd worst in the country for
THE NUMBER OF SENIORS AT RISK OF HUNGER.*
24% or nearly 1-in-4
OF LOUISIANA'S SENIORS FACE
THE RISK OF FOOD INSECURITY
$1 can provide up to
4 meals for a senior
THE SERIOUS IMPACT OF SENIOR HUNGER
Food insecure seniors eat fewer calories and receive lower quantities of 10 essential nutrients important to their health.
FOOD INSECURE SENIORS ARE**:
-
40% more likely to experience congestive heart failure
-
53% more likely to experience a heart attack
-
60% more likely to experience depression
-
2x more likely to develop asthma
* As reported by The National Foundation to End Senior Hunger (NFESH)
** As reported by Feeding America and NFESH
FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS
Food insecure seniors have a variety of special considerations including nutrient requirements, abilities to prepare meals, and accessibility to food stores and require a variety of avenues for food assistance.
THE FOLLOWING FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAMS ONLY REACH A LIMITED NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE SENIORS:
-
Meals on Wheels
-
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (Food for Seniors in Louisiana)
-
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
State and federal policymakers must invest in and strengthen these programs to better serve seniors facing food insecurity. Stay engaged with Feeding Louisiana to learn how to be a voice for seniors facing hunger by signing up for our newsletter below.