By Tim Wholf

Food insecurity is the lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life, and it’s a pressing issue in the United States and around the world.

While it is often associated with children and low-income families, an alarming and frequently overlooked group affected by food insecurity is older adults. As the global population ages, food insecurity among seniors is becoming an urgent public health concern with far-reaching implications.

According to recent data from Feeding America and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, millions of older adults struggle with food insecurity each year. In the United States alone, approximately 5.5 million seniors aged 60 and older face hunger. This number is expected to grow as the senior population increases due to longer life expectancies and aging baby boomers.

Many older adults live on fixed incomes, making it difficult to afford groceries, especially with the rising cost of living and inflation. Additionally, unexpected medical expenses or the loss of a spouse can drastically alter a senior’s financial situation, forcing them to make difficult choices between food, medication and housing.

Food insecurity in older adults is not only a matter of hunger but also of health. Seniors who experience food insecurity are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and depression.

Poor nutrition can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk of hospitalizations. In many cases, older adults may skip meals or choose cheaper, less nutritious foods that lack the essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain good health. This leads to a vicious cycle where poor nutrition exacerbates health problems, which in turn increases healthcare costs and further strains limited resources.

Several barriers contribute to food insecurity among seniors. Physical limitations such as mobility issues or chronic illness can make it difficult to shop for or prepare meals. Social isolation also plays a significant role, especially among older adults who live alone.

Without family or community support, many seniors struggle to access the resources available to them. Language barriers, stigma and a lack of awareness about food assistance programs such as food pantries, congregate nutrition sites, home-delivered meals and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program further compound the issue.

Johnson County Aging and Human Services operates three food pantries located in Gardner, Lenexa and Mission.

While these pantries provide supplemental food to individuals and families in need, many pantries have faced challenges maintaining adequate supplies over the past year due to a decline in food and monetary donations.

To help raise awareness, Kansas City Chiefs Ambassador and former NFL player Mark Collins recently visited one of AHS’s food pantries and shared a message encouraging donations as part of an AHS social media campaign. You can view his video on the AHS’ Facebook page or on YouTube at youtube.com/@johnsoncountyAHS.

Those interested in donating – either as individuals or organizations – can call 913-715-8806 to coordinate a food donation or organize a food drive. To make a monetary donation or shop our Amazon wish list, visit jocogov.org/ahsfoodpantry.

Individuals needing food assistance are encouraged to contact their local pantry or visit jocogov.org/jocopantries to find a pantry located near you.

Addressing food insecurity among older adults requires a multifaceted approach. Community-based solutions, such as congregate meal programs, food pantries, and SNAP, can help reach isolated individuals. Additionally, healthcare providers should routinely screen for food insecurity during medical visits to connect patients with the appropriate resources.

Investing in senior nutrition is a smart public health strategy. Ensuring that older adults have reliable access to nutritious food improves quality of life, reduces healthcare costs and helps seniors age with dignity.

Tim Wholf is director of the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services.