A recently published study from the Center for Poverty Research at the University of Kentucky examined hunger issues for senior citizens. Little is known about this issue except that millions of seniors are impacted and that the numbers are likely to grow over the next twenty years. The study, conducted between 2001 and 2005, found that 11.4% of senior citizens faced some kind of hunger issue; that number mirrored the general food insecurity rate. However, today’s food insecurity rate is closer to 14%.
Senior citizens who live alone are particularly vulnerable, as are renters, and those between the ages of 60 and 64. By 2025, the number of food insecure senior citizens is expected to grow by 75% (from 2005), with an expected 9.5 million senior citizens at risk. Other than that, little research has been completed addressing the issue of senior citizen food insecurity.
WAFER is making a small dent in helping area senior citizens via our Senior Share program, in which 3-4 days worth of groceries are delivered to specified Coulee Region sites. This program began with 65 participating senior citizens in March 2010 and currently helps 170 senior citizens. If you know of anyone over age 60 (low income) who could benefit from the program, feel free to contact us at WAFER.
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