By Aimee Nemeth

Up to 56% of US seniors who are severely food insecure will make these life-or-death decisions in the next year, simply because they cannot afford both food and proper personal care due to disability, chronic illness, or other complications that come with older age. 

Times are tough for everyone in our community right now. Inflation and the lingering economic impacts of COVID-19 have everyone tightening their fiscal belts and making difficult decisions regarding personal necessities. Unfortunately, vulnerable populations such as seniors (aged 65+) are especially impacted by these societal changes. Last year, 22% of the people served by Saline Area Social Service (SASS) were 65 or older. These are our neighbors, friends, and community members.   

A National and Local Issue  

Senior poverty is a huge issue both nationally and locally with the rising costs of gas, food, and housing. It impacts not only the lives of those suffering from these challenges, but their communities as well. When impoverished seniors are forced to make the decision to eat, pay rent, or delay important medical care, it comes with real consequences on our healthcare systems, our EMS services, and other lifesaving resources – not to mention the dignity and livelihoods of the seniors themselves. 

The Food Resource and Action Center reports that seniors suffering from food insecurity and poverty are more likely to skip doses of medicine, take less medicine, delay to fill a prescription, not take certain medications with food, postpone or forgo needed or preventative medical care, purchase a low-cost diet that relies on energy dense, but nutrient-poor foods, water down food or drinks, forgo foods needed for special medical diets (dietetic diets), and make trade-offs between for and other basic necessities (housing, utilities, and transportation).  

This is why Saline Area Social Service partners with local businesses like RealTruck (formerly known as Truck Hero), incredible volunteers, and donors to help bring awareness to our fundraising efforts.

Help Local Seniors Today 

Saline Area Social Service is here to help provide resources to our senior community members that give them dignity and quality of life, but our mission cannot be completed without the help of our generous community. 

SASS Provides Seniors: 

• Groceries for up to 15 meals a week 
• Household essentials and personal items 
• Prescription copays 
• Grocery delivery to homebound individuals  
• Holiday gifts and meals 
• Emergency aid for rent, utilities, and car repairs 
• Toiletries  
• Winter hats and gloves 
• And more!  

Double the impact of your donation to SASS!  

RealTruck is generously providing a 100% match for the first $10,000 donated to SASS now through March 3rd. Every gift makes a difference, and we need your help in turning $10,000 to $20,000! Help us take advantage of this incredible opportunity by donating today. Thank you for your support! 

Citation: 
https://frac.org/research/resource-library/hunger-is-a-health-issue-for-older-adults-food-security-health-and-the-federal-nutrition-programs