The population of Nevadans aged 60 and older is projected to increase by 36 percent over the next decade, with an estimated 100,000 seniors in need of food assistance by 2025. Due to the end of pandemic-era public benefits and rising grocery prices, there is a growing concern about food insecurity among older adults in Nevada.
Beth Martino, the CEO of Three Square, a food security nonprofit, and Marie Baxter from Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, highlighted the challenges faced by seniors in accessing an adequate food supply. They pointed out that the reduction in SNAP benefits and inflation are major contributors to the increasing rates of food insecurity among older Nevadans.
During a recent meeting of the Nevada Silver Haired Legislative Forum, various agencies discussed the steps being taken to address the worsening food insecurity crisis affecting seniors in the state. Sarah Rogers from the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health emphasized that food insecurity disproportionately impacts Black and Latino seniors, putting them at a higher risk for chronic health conditions.
In addition to funding shortages for food supply partners, barriers to accessing food for seniors include health issues, lack of support, transportation challenges, and fixed incomes. Seniors with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, with those aged 60 or older being twice as likely to face this issue.
Government agencies such as DPBH, the Governor’s Council on Food Security, Nevada Medicaid, and the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services are working on various initiatives to combat food insecurity among seniors. Strategies include improving logistics and distribution systems, supporting local agriculture programs, and organizing food security conferences to bring stakeholders together.
Nonprofit organizations like Three Square and Catholic Charities offer programs specifically designed to address food insecurity among seniors. Three Square’s “Golden Groceries” program provides nutritional food to seniors through specialized pantries and home deliveries. They also offer services like hot meals at public libraries and transportation assistance for seniors.
Catholic Charities provides food pantries, home deliveries, home modification programs, and benefits enrollment assistance to seniors across Nevada. Seniors can visit food pantries twice a month to receive a box of food items, including fresh produce and shelf-stable goods. The home modification program offers repairs and modifications to help seniors age in place safely.
Overall, efforts are being made at both the government and nonprofit levels to combat food insecurity among seniors in Nevada. By providing access to nutritious food, transportation services, and benefits enrollment assistance, organizations are working to ensure that older adults in the state have the support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
