Page 5 - Healthcare News 2025 Senior Planning Guide

A Shared Responsibility
Let’s Work Together to Address Senior Food Insecurity
By Jodi Falk
Food insecurity affects millions of Americans, but
one of the most overlooked groups struggling
with hunger is our aging population. According
to Feeding America, nearly 5.5 million seniors in
the U.S. faced food insecurity in 2021, a number ex-
pected to grow as the population ages and inflation
continues to rise.
In Western Mass., tight budgets, limited
transportation, and social isolation increase
the vulnerability of seniors who may already be
choosing between medication and meals. Proposed
changes to SNAP and other federal food assistance
programs could further strain seniors’ ability to
access affordable, nutritious food. This is not the
fault of individuals
—
it’s a systemic issue that
impacts us all, and one we can work together to
solve.
How Seniors Can Get Support Now
If you’re a senior facing food insecurity or know
someone who is, here are three meaningful steps to
take:
1. Access Local Food Pantries and Delivery
Services. Many organizations, including those to
whom Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts
(RTWM) delivers, provide direct food access through
rescued and purchased food programs. Visit
“In Western
Mass., tight
budgets, limited
transportation,
and social
isolation increase
the vulnerability
of seniors who may already be
choosing between medication and
meals.”
413cares.org for information on where to find a
pantry or meal site near you.
2. Enroll in SNAP and HIP. Whereas the
requirements for these programs may be changing,
they offer financial assistance for groceries, and
HIP allows for extra benefits when purchasing fresh
produce from local farmers. There may be a Mobile
Market in your neighborhood. Visit mass.gov for
more information.
3. Join a Community Garden Program.
Opportunities like RTWM’s Growing Gardens allow
seniors to grow their own food, build community,
and improve physical and mental well-being. There
are many community gardens in our area; check
with your town or city to get connected.
Four Ways Rachel’s Table Fights
Senior Hunger
RTWM addresses food insecurity through four
core programs: Rescue, Purchase, Glean, and Grow.
Every initiative is community-led and rooted in
dignity, sustainability, and empowerment. Every
program feeds and nourishes all generations. You
can explore each in detail at feedwma.org, but one
program especially stands out for seniors: Growing
Gardens.
Currently partnering with two agencies that serve
only senior residents and several others that serve
seniors alongside people of all life stages, RTWM’s
garden program provides education, supplies,
mentorship, and community-building opportunities
tailored to older adults. Through this initiative,
dozens of seniors have regained access to culturally
meaningful, fresh food, right from their own garden
Business W est
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