40 community organizations come together to increase SNAP enrollment among seniors.

Elder Law of Michigan, in partnership with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and with support from the Walmart Foundation, has joined a nationwide effort to fight senior hunger by dramatically increasing participation by eligible seniors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Senior hunger, often called America’s “hidden hunger,” is on the rise. Nearly 5 million adults over age 60 do not have consistent access to healthy food. SNAP is our nation’s most powerful and effective anti-hunger program, but it is highly underutilized by older adults.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that only 2 out of every 5 seniors who are eligible for SNAP are enrolled in the program. This means that millions of low-income elders are missing out on this vital program, which provides an average monthly benefit of $119 to help participants buy healthy food. This benefit could put adequate nutrition within reach for many seniors who are struggling to make ends meet.

For more information on NCOA’s senior hunger initiative, visit http://www.ncoa.org/SeniorHunger.

About NCOA

The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: http://www.ncoa.org |www.facebook.com/NCOAging | http://www.twitter.com/NCOAging