More Older Adults Facing Hunger in 2022

News reports often toss around the term food insecurity, usually without a clear definition. The USDA defines it as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. In the senior services field, we are finding that many adults who are 60 plus years in age with uncertain or inconsistent access to food. Before the pandemic, the Illinois Department of Human Services found that 8.6% of seniors were food insecure. However, that number has increased by a whopping 60% due to the pandemic.

Thanks to the vaccine and adherence to health precautions, this has freed up numerous people to resume shopping and normal activities, but many seniors face a new challenge, inflationary food prices. This year, people witnessed rapidly increasing costs in countless areas with these affecting the prices at grocery stores as well. This has forced many to decide between food or medicine.

“A senior having to make the decision between eating or buying their medicine is unacceptable,” stated Jennifer Prell, President of Elderwerks Educational Services, a Palatine Illinois based non-profit that provides older adult services. To help seniors and others affected by the rising costs, they have organized a food collection drive during the entire month of October. They are seeking nonperishable, staple items such as pasta, canned soups/vegetables, pancake mix, peanut butter, and granola bars. Donations can also be brought to the Elderwerks office in Palatine or one of the various participating businesses throughout Illinois. The complete wish list of food and locations available for drop off can be viewed at www.Elderwerks.org/news.

Our mission is to help seniors navigate these uncertain times. If you or a senior in your care is having issues with finding appropriate housing, access to services, or food insecurity, our staff is available every weekday to help. Please call 847-462-0885 or visit us at 251 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL.

Elderwerks Educational Services is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization offering senior living coordination, advocacy, and education. Our complimentary information, referrals and guidance includes senior housing, home care, support, and benefit information. Acting as “senior guidance counselors” we help individuals, or couples figure out how to stay home well or transition successfully. Visit Elderwerks.org or call (855) 462-0100 for complimentary, personal assistance.

Resources: https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/definitions-of-food-security/

Media contact: Jack Macholl, Wisdom Bridge Marketing