Connecticut Works to End Hunger Among Seniors

The Community Health Center Association of Connecticut (CHCACT) is joining other organizations nationwide to reverse the growing trend of hunger and malnutrition in Americans over the age of 60.

"We're proud to be part of a pilot effort that has the potential to help tens of thousands of low income older adults improve their health and financial security," Lori-Anne Russo, CHCACT's director of clinical programs, told the Hartford Courant.

According to the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger, the rate of seniors facing the threat of hunger in Connecticut rose 22.8% between 2011 and 2012, and it’s expected to rise as Baby Boomers get older.

"CHCACT and its affiliated community health centers have been working to improve overall health in Connecticut, including through SNAP outreach," Russo said.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) writes that seniors who have access to more nutritious food through SNAP benefits are less likely to suffer from diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, heart attacks, gum disease, and asthma.

"We're excited about this opportunity to enhance our outreach efforts to seniors, which are a hard-to-reach population in our state."

CHCACT will be working with the National Council on Aging to encourage eligible seniors to enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.  The Courant estimates that only 34% of those senior eligible for SNAP presently make use of it.

Seniors’ households can receive a monthly benefit nearly $150 to spend at grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets to buy nutritious food.