News

More than 40,000 seniors (age 60 and older) in the Ozarks struggle with the issue of hunger.

After retirement, many seniors rely on fixed monthly incomes from Social Security. Monthly bills for rent, medication, healthcare and utilities quickly eat up the funds, leaving little to no money left for groceries. Food insecurity has adverse effects on people across the age spectrum, but it can be particularly problematic for seniors. Several factors contribute to senior hunger, including living in multi-generational households.

In today’s world, 1 in 5 Americans live in a multi-generational home. This can be wonderful for seniors, as it allows them to spend more time with their children and grandchildren, but it can also be a contributing factor to food insecurity. Many grandparents are quick to forgo their dietary needs so their grandchildren can have food in their bellies.

It’s heartbreaking to think that seniors might not be able to make ends meet after a lifetime spent working and raising a family. Ozarks Food Harvest partners with a number of senior centers in the Ozarks, ensuring that these hungry neighbors have somewhere to turn for support. These facilities offer warm meals and community for so many.

The Food Bank’s Senior Food program also ensures that seniors have something to eat. This program supplements the diets of low-income seniors with USDA food. Individuals can receive these boxes at senior centers, churches and food pantries across the area.

We need your help to meet the needs of local seniors. If you would like to offer your support, please visit ozarksfoodharvest.org/donate, and designate your gift to the Senior Food program.

Thank you for your support of food insecure people of all ages in southwest Missouri.