CSFP

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health risks and financial burdens for certain at-risk populations can make access to food challenging. This issue brief explores the adjustments that states have made to nutrition programs. The brief highlights examples of opportunities available and changes that states have made to ensure older adults and persons with disabilities have access to food during the pandemic. Data and findings are drawn from the ADvancing States 2020 COVID-19 Membership Survey.

This study highlights the issues older adults face in maintaining their health and food security status, including chronic disease, social isolation, mobility, transportation, and limited income and affordability. This study engaged almost 150 older adults and 90 program managers and community agencies across 9 states. It examined 17 different program delivery models, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Commodity Food Supplemental Program (CSFP).

This report analyzes data on food insecurity among older adults ages 60 and over. It illustrates that while the food-insecurity rate for this population has recently declined, it is still significantly higher than a decade ago. This report also highlights sub-segments of this population who are at particularly high risk of experiencing food insecurity, including older adults with disabilities and older adults who are racial or ethnic minorities.