Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank - all counties

https://seniorsbluebook.com/admin/articlehttps://seniorsbluebook.com/admin/articleSenior hunger is a growing problem among older adults. Recent studies reveal that nearly 14% of people 60 years of age and older regularly experience food insecurity. Thats an increase nationally from 5.5% back in 2001.It is vitally important to understand that food insecurity goes beyond not knowing where your next meal is coming from; it also includes limited access to the healthiest food options. Food insecurity can be defined as limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate or safe foods. For this reason, according to AARP, improper nourishment is costing seniors more than $130 billion each year in medical bills.Food insecurity may not always simply mean a reduction in the amount of food someone has to eat. Food insecurity is also linked to a decreased quality and variety of foods available to people, especially as they become seniors. While there are numerous factors contributing to the senior hunger issue, there are also many community partners and resources aimed at diminishing this problem.One such resource is called SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is a government funded program which aims to supplement the food budget so people have access to more food and more food choices. Not only does SNAP participation help to stretch food dollars, it has also proven to keep seniors healthy and reduce their medical costs.To obtain SNAP benefits, seniors must apply by meeting income eligibility limits. Special eligibility rules also exist for households with seniors or disabilities. If found eligible, SNAP recipients receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card to buy groceries at authorized vendors.The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank serves 11 counties throughout southwestern Pennsylvania with several nutrition-enhancing programs and services. Offering SNAP application assistance is one important way the Food Bank is helping our neighbors to eat better. Seniors can receive SNAP application assistance by calling us toll free at 833-822-7627, or by submitting contact information at www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/snap.Editors Note: This article was submitted by John Merola, SNAP Outreach Coordinator, Greater Community Food Bank. He can be reached at 724-846-6400, ext. 31 or jmerola@pittsburghfoodbank.org.