If you run into some doctor bills or different things, it's a real strain on anyone's budget. I've cut down the portions that I consume from time to time, and I'll do it again if I have to.Elvin, 83
Ozarks seniors are forced to make tough choices
One in six OFH clients are AGE 60 or older
That’s more than 51,000 seniors in southwest Missouri who struggle with the complex issue of hunger. Food insecurity is most prevalent in seniors who are women, widows — or those who are divorced, separated or never married — minorities, those living alone and those older than age 85. Unfortunately, the need for emergency food assistance among seniors is expected to rise as baby boomers become older. And oftentimes, transportation barriers and physical limitations prevent low-income seniors from visiting a Food Bank member food pantry or site.
Pride is another limitation Ozarks Food Harvest works to overcome with senior clients in its network. Serving at-risk seniors at a comfortable location, specifically targeting this age group, The Food Bank attempts to overcome any embarrassment associated with charitable assistance. You can help Ozarks Food Harvest supply meals or groceries for seniors so they will no longer be forced to choose between prescriptions, heating or cooling and food.
Low-income area seniors age 60 and older are forced to make tough choices.
Together we can solve senior hunger
seniors are ESPECIALLY vulnerable
Although food insecurity affects people of all ages, seniors are particularly vulnerable because they have unique nutritional needs related to aging and medical conditions. Many end up forgoing the foods they need to stay healthy. The Spotlight on Senior Health: Adverse Health Outcomes of Food Insecure Older Americansreport found that these seniors are more likely to have a lower nutrient intake and be at a higher risk for chronic health conditions and depression. Can you help America’s Greatest Generation?
Ozarks Food Harvest partners with senior centers, churches and food pantries to distribute more than 4,000 boxes of USDA food to income-eligible seniors every month.
Ozarks Food Harvest’s Mobile Food Pantry program delivers groceries directly to towns where food assistance is scarce. Product is served off a truck to families and seniors facing hunger in just a couple hours.
