Just Harvest Joins National Campaign to End Senior Hunger

Grant supports local effort to connect older adults with SNAP

PITTSBURGH, PA — When it comes to eating a healthy diet, millions of Americans age 65 and over face a double whammy: a fixed income, and rising food costs. Nationally, adults aged 65+ have an average annual income of $46,627, and they spend more than $5,500 – or nearly 12% of their annual income – on food. Additionally, this year those who rely on Social Security received just a 0.3% increase in their Cost of Living Adjustment. Their friends just 10 years younger have a greater income (averaging $75,262 annually), and they spend less (9.3%) on groceries. Between 2001 and 2013, the number of seniors experiencing food insecurity doubled.

Just Harvest was recently awarded a grant to support a National Council on Aging (NCOA) nationwide effort to help older adults struggling to buy groceries apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or “food stamps”) to supplement their food budget.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that just 2 out of every 5 seniors who are eligible for SNAP are enrolled in the program. This means that millions of low-income older adults are missing out on this vital program, which provides an average monthly benefit of $110 to help participants buy healthy food.

Just Harvest is one of more than 30 community organizations across the country that is stepping up its efforts to assist seniors in applying for SNAP. The organization will use its specialized screening tool and the federal government’s new easy application process for seniors. The screenings are conducted for free and confidentially over the phone in less than 10 minutes, and determine whether seniors might be eligible for monthly nutrition assistance benefits. If interested and eligible, Just Harvest submits the SNAP application directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Just Harvest will follow up with each client to make sure they are receiving the benefits.

Since 2014, NCOA’s initiative has screened almost 400,000 people for SNAP eligibility, and helped nearly 70,000 seniors apply for SNAP.

“We’re excited to be part of this proven effort that has the potential to help low-income older adults in Allegheny County improve their health and financial security,” said Ken Regal, Just Harvest’s executive director. “Just Harvest has a strong history of helping seniors in need. We’re confident that using proven outreach methods to increase SNAP enrollment will have a profound effect on lives of seniors in Allegheny County.”

Chronic hunger takes a serious toll on the health of anyone, but older adults are particularly vulnerable. Seniors who face food insecurity are more likely to have a heart attack, diabetes, and limited ability to perform daily activities.

To find out more about SNAP eligibility, contact Just Harvest. For information on the food stamps application process, visit justharvest.org/get-help/snap-food-stamps, For more information on NCOA’s senior hunger initiative, visit ncoa.org/SeniorHunger.

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JUST HARVEST educates, empowers and mobilizes people to eliminate hunger, poverty, and economic injustice in our communities by influencing public policy, engaging in advocacy, and connecting people to public benefits.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a respected national leader and trusted partner to help people aged 60+ meet the challenges of aging. Our mission is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. Through innovative community programs and services, online help, and advocacy, NCOA is partnering with nonprofit organizations, government, and business to improve the health and economic security of 10 million older adults by 2020. Learn more at ncoa.org and @NCOAging.

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