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Health & Fitness

Hunger on Long Island: Seniors Not Spared Hardship

This is the time of year when hunger becomes more apparent in neighborhoods across the country and Long Island is not immune. Read more about how we are fighting hunger.

Older Adult Hunger Is Right Around Our Corner 

Since the recession began in December 2007, many older New Yorkers have suffered real – and unexpected --financial setbacks.  Perhaps they lost their job, or the value of their home plummeted. Their retirement funds may have shrunk or disappeared entirely. They may have lost their spouse or partner, or had some serious health problems themselves.

But among all of the unexpected things that have happened to millions of older adults, perhaps nothing is as unexpected as hunger.  Yet according to new research for AARP Foundation, since 2001 the number of people ages 50+ at risk of hunger in the U.S. soared by 78 percent. 

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This surge in hunger comes just as he old safety nets are shredding.  States, cities and towns are cutting back their budgets and services.  More and more people are turning to local food banks and other anti-hunger groups for help. 

According to a 2010 national survey of hunger food providers and clients, an estimated 283,700 people on Long Island are served by emergency food programs.  About 64,900 different people receive emergency food assistance in any given week. 

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Still, these food programs as well as benefits available for older adults can be underutilized for a variety of reasons.  Nearly 11,700 people age 60+ in Suffolk County alone receive food stamp benefits, according to NYSOTDA.  However, it is estimated that approximately 56,000 Suffolk County residents age 55+ are eligible for food stamps, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

That is why AARP’s Drive to End Hunger and Hunger Solutions New York recently convened county experts and food assistance providers on Long Island to put an aging lens on the hunger issue, examine the latest research, and begin developing strategies and policies to improve the flow of nutritious food and food assistance benefits to Long Island seniors. 

The roundtable discussion took place at the offices of Long Island Cares in Hauppauge.  Participants included Kristine Lehn, Director of Agency Relations, Long Island Cares; Nicole Christensen, Vice President Programs, Island Harvest; David Okorn, Executive Director, Long Island Community Foundation; and representatives from about 10 other programs serving Long Island older adults and families.

AARP believes that no one of any age should go hungry and we applaud the collaboration, dialogue, and information sharing that took place at our roundtable discussion.

To find out whether you or a friend or loved one qualifies for food assistance, AARP encourages you to contact:  http://hungersolutionsny.org/ or 1.800.865.5542

AARP Foundation’s Drive to End Hunger will continue to shine a light on this issue and encourage research into the causes and consequences of hunger in older New Yorkers.  There is much to learn as we address this important problem.

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