Senior Hunger Statistics

Comprehensive data on food insecurity among adults age 60 and older, including senior nutrition program statistics

Updated: January 2025

National Senior Hunger Overview

5.8M

Food Insecure Seniors

10.2%

Senior Food Insecurity Rate

2.3M

Seniors in Meals on Wheels

4.9M

Seniors Receiving SNAP

Understanding Senior Hunger

Food insecurity among seniors has unique characteristics and serious health consequences.

Why Seniors Face Hunger
  • Fixed incomes (Social Security) that don't keep pace with costs
  • High medical and prescription drug expenses
  • Limited mobility and transportation challenges
  • Social isolation and lack of support networks
  • Pride and stigma preventing help-seeking
Health Consequences
  • Increased risk of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease)
  • Higher hospitalization and emergency room visit rates
  • Medication non-adherence when choosing food vs. medicine
  • Nutritional deficiencies and weakened immune systems
  • Depression and cognitive decline
Hidden Problem: Senior hunger is often overlooked because many seniors are too proud to ask for help or don't know where to turn for assistance.

Senior Food Insecurity by State

Senior food insecurity rates vary significantly across states, influenced by cost of living, healthcare costs, and social safety nets.

State Senior Food Insecurity Rate Food Insecure Seniors Overall Food Insecurity Actions
Louisiana 15.8% 112,400 17.9% Find Resources
Mississippi 15.2% 75,300 17.4% Find Resources
Arkansas 14.6% 74,800 16.8% Find Resources
Alabama 14.2% 118,600 16.4% Find Resources
Oklahoma 13.8% 94,200 16.6% Find Resources
Texas 13.4% 634,800 15.9% Find Resources
Kentucky 12.8% 96,400 14.8% Find Resources Report
West Virginia 12.4% 44,800 16.3% Find Resources Report
Tennessee 11.9% 139,800 14.2% Find Resources Report
North Carolina 10.8% 194,700 12.4% Find Resources Report
Ohio 10.4% 225,100 13.1% Find Resources Report
Pennsylvania 9.7% 226,400 11.8% Find Resources Report
Virginia 8.2% 118,900 10.2% Find Resources Report
Data Source: Senior food insecurity data from Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap 2024. Seniors defined as adults age 60 and older.

Senior Food Insecurity Trends (2015-2025)

Key Trends:
  • 2015-2019: Declining senior food insecurity as economy improved
  • 2020: Pandemic caused disruptions in senior nutrition programs and increased isolation
  • 2021-2025: Rising costs (healthcare, housing, food) outpacing Social Security increases
  • Current: 10.2% rate higher than pre-pandemic, driven by inflation and healthcare costs

Senior Nutrition Programs

Meals on Wheels

2.3 Million

Seniors served annually

Program Overview:

  • Home-delivered meals for homebound seniors
  • Safety checks and social connection
  • Typically 5 meals per week
  • Waitlists in many communities
Coverage Gap: Only 1 in 5 eligible seniors receives Meals on Wheels due to funding limitations.
Senior Centers & Congregate Meals

1.6 Million

Seniors served annually

Program Overview:

  • Group meals at senior centers
  • Social interaction and activities
  • Nutritious meals meeting dietary guidelines
  • Free or suggested donation
Benefit: Reduces isolation while providing nutrition, supporting both physical and mental health.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

650,000

Low-income seniors served

Program Details:

  • Monthly food packages with nutritious foods
  • For seniors age 60+ at or below 130% poverty level
  • Includes canned fruits, vegetables, grains, protein
  • Supplements dietary needs
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

825,000

Seniors receiving vouchers

Program Details:

  • Vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Use at farmers markets and farm stands
  • Typical benefit: $20-$50 per season
  • Promotes healthy eating and supports local farmers

Risk Factors for Senior Hunger

Most Vulnerable Seniors
Living Alone 16.2%
Black, Non-Hispanic 18.9%
Hispanic 15.7%
Renters 21.4%
Contributing Challenges
  • Healthcare Costs: 25% of food-insecure seniors must choose between food and medicine
  • Transportation: 40% cite lack of transportation as barrier to accessing food
  • Isolation: Seniors living alone 2x more likely to be food insecure
  • Disability: Seniors with disabilities face 14.8% food insecurity rate
  • Housing Costs: 60% of food-insecure seniors are housing cost-burdened

Find Senior Nutrition Programs

Search for Meals on Wheels, senior centers, and food assistance for older adults

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