The pandemic has certainly affected our food supply, creating temporary shortages and uncertainty. However, the problem of food insecurity has been on the rise around the world affecting all ages. Older adults seem to be particularly vulnerable due to fixed incomes, high healthcare costs, social isolation, poor health conditions, and lack of affordable housing.

While often used interchangeably, food security and hunger are not the same. Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as having consistent lack of access to affordable healthy foods. Food Insecurity can often be the systemic cause of hunger and possibly malnutrition, which is the body’s physical response to lack of enough calories, dietary quality, or variety. Many times, those who suffer from regular food insecurity may turn to eating the same inexpensive unhealthy processed food items repeatedly, limit nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables, and eat smaller portions or even skip meals.

Food insecurity in the older adult can be linked to malnutrition, poorer health outcomes, and mental health issues. In older adults, malnutrition can lead to illness, frailty, and falls that ultimately undermine independence and contribute to poor quality of life. In fact, older adults who suffer from food insecurity are 65% more likely to have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or obesity. There is a clear link between food insecurity and depression. The constant worry and uncertainty of food security can take a toll on a person’s health and well-being.

There are a set of 8 questions that can be used to determine if you or a loved one falls somewhere in the continuum of food insecurity. If the answer is “Yes” to any of these questions, you may have some degree of food insecurity. During the past 12 months, was there a time when, because of lack of transportation, money, or physical ability to prepare food:

1. You were worried you would not have enough food to eat?

2. You were unable to eat healthy and nutritious food?

3. You ate only a few kinds of foods?

4. You had to skip a meal?

5. You ate less than you thought you should?

6. Your household ran out of food?

7. You were hungry but did not eat?

8. You went without eating for a whole day?

One of the most common solutions to food insecurity is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This is the largest federal nutrition assistance program for eligible low-income individuals and families. A card similar to a debit card is provided to help buy healthy foods at grocery stores and other locations. Visit https://www.ny.gov/services/apply-snap to apply today.

In addition to SNAP, you can explore other food assistance programs such as The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and your local Senior Nutrition Programs. Contact NY Connects at 716-753-4582 to get more information about these programs.

We know the healthy choice is not always the easiest choice, but small changes can make a big difference. Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services Dietitian, Carey Skelton RDN is available for nutrition education through SNAP-ed programs. The SNAP-ed programs are FREE for those who receive or qualify for SNAP benefits. We want to help you save time, save money, and eat healthy! Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services Senior Nutrition Program also provides nutritious meals through Dining In Home Delivered Meals and the Dining Out Program throughout the county. We also sponsor several exercise programs. Please remember to contribute toward your OFAS nutrition services if you can. These programs are not sustainable without the support of participant and community contributions. Be aware that SNAP benefits can be used toward your contribution. Call NY Connects at 716-753-4582 for more details and information about any of these Nutrition and Wellness programs provided by Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services.