“Nearly one in every six seniors in America faces the threat of hunger and not being properly nourished. This applies to those who aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from and those who don’t have access to the healthiest possible food options.” These are the opening sentences of the April 2020 article from the Aging in Place website. (Note that these statistics published in 2019 actually reflect the numbers from 2017.)
https://www.aginginplace.org/the-facts-behind-senior-hunger/
The article goes on to say that senior hunger issues lead to $130B in resulting healthcare expenses to treat conditions that might be prevented with proper nutrition and food abundance.
During this COVID-19 pandemic we are learning new skills to cope with everyday challenges. Food purveyors are looking for new and better ways to meet their customers’ needs. For some, online shopping and pick up seem like just the latest gadget. It’s been embraced mostly by young working mothers who want to save the time they would have spent shopping. For seniors who may have transportation or mobility issues, these services are a helpful way to assure that their cupboards do not go bare. If your parents are in need of the service discuss it with them. If they could be served by Meals on Wheels, help them make the call and complete the application process.
Unfortunately, food Insecurity is not just a senior issue, especially now. Today I saw that a food bank in San Antonio had a line of 10,000 cars waiting for donations. They expect more tomorrow. In fact, cars were already in line at 9pm. No doubt there were seniors in that line. Previous statistics have been shattered by our current pandemic and unemployment problem.
In April, Golden Bridges typically starts our food drive in conjunction with the National Association of Senior Move Managers. We team up with the non-profit MOVE FOR HUNGER organization who collect and distribute non- perishable food items for donation to local food pantries across the United States and Canada. https://moveforhunger.org/
For us that means making plans to march in the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce annual Dogwood Parade. Due to the standing orders to #stayhome the parade has been postponed to October. There may not be dogwoods in bloom, but you can be assured we will be pushing those grocery carts and collecting your contributions for Quincy’s pantries. Or, if you are moved to make a more timely donation, contact Horizons, GPS Ministries, Catholic Charities, Meals on Wheels and the United Way to learn how you can make a difference today.
Susan Scholz, Partner
Golden Bridges