40 community organizations work together to increase SNAP enrollment among older adults

BOSTON, MA -- Nov. 23, 2020 -- Boston Senior Home Care, in partnership with the National Council on Aging (NCOA), has joined a nationwide effort to fight senior hunger by dramatically increasing participation by eligible seniors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, over 9.8 million older adults experienced food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to adequate, nutritious food. Today, those numbers are quickly rising. SNAP is the nation’s most effective and widest-reaching anti-hunger program. Research by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows that participation in SNAP reduces food insecurity overall by 30 percent, yet the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that only 48 percent of eligible older adults age 60 and older participate in the program.

“We’ve heard from older adults and our local partners that accessing and paying for food is a critical need right now,” said Josh Hodges, NCOA Chief Customer Officer. “Food, on average, is the second highest household expenditure for people age 60 and older, and too often they have to stretch their food budgets in order to make ends meet. That’s where SNAP can help.”

Boston Senior Home Care is one of 40 community organizations around the country that is stepping up its efforts to assist older adults in applying for SNAP. The organization will use NCOA’s free online BenefitsCheckUp® tool at www.BenefitsCheckUp.org to screen older adults with limited income for SNAP eligibility. The initiative aims to help at least 40,000 older adults enroll.

“We’re proud to be part of the Senior SNAP Enrollment Initiative, which has the potential to help tens of thousands of low-income older adults improve their health and financial security,” said Meg Hogan, CEO of Boston Senior Home Care. “We have a strong history of helping older adults in need. We’re confident that increasing SNAP enrollment with BenefitsCheckUp and other proven outreach methods will have a profound effect on the lives of older adults in Greater Boston.”

For more information, visit www.ncoa.org/SeniorHunger.

 

About Boston Senior Home Care

Boston Senior Home Care (BSHC) is a private, nonprofit human services agency dedicated to ensuring that older adults and individuals with disabilities, particularly those of limited means, can remain safely in their homes with dignity and independence. Founded in 1974, BSHC provides older adults with affordable in-home care and community-based services. The organization also offers long-term services and supports for people with disabilities, education to help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage their chronic diseases, as well as resources and supports for caregivers. BSHC is one of Boston’s Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs), serving the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, North End, South Boston and West End. For more information, visit www.bshcinfo.org.

About NCOA

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a trusted national leader working to ensure that every person can age well. Since 1950, NCOA’s mission to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling, has not changed. NCOA empowers people with the best solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and strengthens government programs that we all depend on as we age. Every year, millions of people use NCOA’s signature programs, such as BenefitsCheckUp®, My Medicare Matters®, and the Aging Mastery Program® to age well. By offering online tools and collaborating with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA is working to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.

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