Feeding Seniors
Striving to Keep Seniors Independent and Healthy
More than 5 million seniors in the country are at risk of hunger. Food insecurity among seniors varies by state and region. In Kansas, 5.9 percent of seniors are food insecure and in Missouri the rate is 7.8 percent. In the Kansas City, Mo. metropolitan area, the senior food insecurity rate is 8.4 percent.
In addition, food-insecure seniors are at higher risk for depression and chronic diseases, largely because limited access to healthy leads to health and mobility issues. They are 262 percent more likely to experience depression and 71 percent more likely to experience heart failure. To learn more, visit Feeding America’s Senior Hunger Research page.
Senior Mobile Food Pantries
Senior Mobile Food Pantries are a partnership between Harvesters and nonprofit organizations providing social services to at-risk seniors living in low- to moderate-income housing communities. Our refrigerated trucks deliver fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and breads to seniors. Many of these seniors are homebound, living on small fixed incomes, and have limited access to grocery stores. This program helps them continue to lead healthy and independent lives.
Senior Food Commodities (CSFP)
In partnership with the federal government, many of Harvesters’ agencies distribute monthly commodity food boxes to low-income seniors through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The boxes contain shelf-stable items like milk, fruit juices, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Download this flyer to learn more or contact us at govprograms@harvesters.org to find out if you qualify and to locate an agency provider near you.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is another good option for seniors. SNAP provides benefits on an EBT card that works like a debit card and allows seniors to purchase food at grocery stores that meets their dietary and cultural needs.
Learn more about SNAP and how to contact our SNAP Outreach team for assistance applying for benefits.