SUN CITY, Ariz. (Nov. 4, 2020) – Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, in partnership with the National Council on Aging, has joined a nationwide effort to fight senior hunger by dramatically increasing participation by eligible seniors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 9.8 million older Americans experienced food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to adequate, nutritious food. Today, those numbers are quickly rising. Federal research shows that participation in SNAP, the largest program of its kind, can reduce food insecurity by 30 percent but only 48 percent of eligible adults aged 60 years of age and older participate in the program.
“We know that for many of our seniors getting food, especially healthy, nutritious food can be very challenging, and the pandemic has only made it more difficult. Yet healthy food is essential in treating diabetes, heart conditions, depression and fall prevention and many other health problems,’’ said Dawn Gielau, director of Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, which provides support services to West Valley seniors.
“Many seniors don’t want to talk about this issue or ask for help. But we see eliminating food insecurity as an important part of successful, healthy aging,’’ she said.
Banner Olive Branch will act as a hub for Banner Health’s efforts to sign up seniors through outreach initiated by social workers, home-health aides and other post-acute team members. If people want to know more about this program, please call the senior center at (623) 465-6001.
Banner Olive Branch is one of one of 40 community organizations around the country that is stepping up efforts to assist older adults in applying for SNAP. It will use NCOA’s free online BenefitsCheckUp® tool at www.BenefitsCheckUp.org to screen older adults with limited income for SNAP eligibility.
The nation initiative aims to help at least 40,000 older adults enroll.
“We’ve heard from older adults and our local partners that accessing and paying for food is a critical need right now,” said Josh Hodges, NCOA chief customer officer. “Food, on average, is the second highest household expenditure for people aged 60+, and too often they have to stretch their food budget in order to make ends meet. That’s where SNAP can help.”
About Banner Olive Branch Senior Center
Banner Olive Branch Senior Center has been serving the Sun Cities and surrounding communities since 1988. The senior center offers a variety of social and educational programs, as well as support services, including a home-delivered meal program, daily congregate lunches, health and wellness classes and a pantry program supported by donations from the community. For information about Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, visit www.BannerHealth.com/olivebranch.
About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a trusted national leader working to ensure that every person can age well. Since 1950, our mission has not changed: Improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. NCOA empowers people with the best solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and we strengthen government programs that we all depend on as we age. Every year, millions of people use our signature programs BenefitsCheckUp®, My Medicare Matters®, and the Aging Mastery Program® to age well. By offering online tools and collaborating with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA is working to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging. For more information, visit www.ncoa.org/SeniorHunger.