Food insecurity is affecting a growing share of older adults across the U.S. as the costs of food, health care, and housing rise faster than many fixed or limited incomes. Older adults who struggle to afford nutritious food are more likely to report poor health, have higher use of emergency and inpatient care, and contribute to avoidable health care spending each year. Economic pressures, disability and mobility challenges, transportation barriers, and geographic factors — such as living in rural communities or food deserts — all make it harder for older adults to consistently access healthy, affordable food.

In a West Health Mosaic blog post, CHCS program officer Emma Rauscher, MPH, examines the drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition among older adults and outlines federal and state program options that can help. The article highlights how initiatives, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid nutrition benefits, Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits, Older Americans Act nutrition programs, and U.S. Department of Agriculture programs can work together to address food needs. It also points to policy opportunities to modernize eligibility criteria and reduce enrollment barriers so that more older adults can access the food they need to maintain their health.