THE EMPTY-PLATE CLUB
Too many older Americans
have too little food
During the holidays most of us
feel truly hungry only while
waiting for a good dinner.
But not everyone has a place
at the table: Six million
Americans 60 and up are
suffering from hunger and
“food insecurity”—they
don’t have a reliable
way to get nutritionally
adequate food. Hunger’s
impact is devastating,
increasing illness and
depression. It may also be
avoidable: Only one-third
of the older Americans eli-
gible for the federal Supple-
mental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) get benefits.
If you suspect that someone
you know doesn’t have enough
to eat, check out “Helping the
Hungry,” below.
11%of Americans 60 and older are
not always sure
where to find
their next meal.
Older people
who could receive
SNAP benefits are
leaving money on
the table.
HELPING
THE
HUNGRY
Not wanting to
“take a handout.”
Fearing the stigma
of using food stamps.
Not knowing how to
qualify or apply.
THE EXCUSE
Find out at the AARP
Benefits QuickLINK site
( AARP.org/snap).
Benefits now come via easy-to-use debit cards.
You’ve paid taxes to make this
program possible.
THE RESPONSE
To see if a friend or relative is eligible, en-
ter basic income and expense info on the
state-specific form at AARP.org/snap,
available in English and Spanish. If the
person meets the criteria, click on
the SNAP application link to apply
immediately. Find more ways to
help at createthegood.org/hunger.
HELP NOW!
ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS LYONS
Learn more about the AARP Foundation’s commitment
to the vulnerable 50+ population at aarp.org/hunger.
