AARP Pushes for Representation on Anti-Hunger Panel

Editor's note: AARP has been appointed to the Anti-Hunger Task Force and looks forward to participating.

AARP Massachusetts is asking for older people to be represented on Governor Maura Healey’s new Anti-Hunger Task Force. AARP is requesting a representative from the organization be appointed to the task force.

Governor Healey signed an Executive Order in July establishing the Massachusetts Anti-Hunger Task Force in response to recent federal cuts to food assistance programs under President Trump. The task force will unite leaders from government, nonprofits, businesses, and impacted communities to develop strategies that protect families, seniors, children, and others from hunger and help Massachusetts build long-term solutions to food insecurity.

Food insecurity affects nearly 1 in 10 older Americans—11.8 million people aged 50+ in 2022, a 25% increase from the year before. For older adults, hunger is not just about food, it’s a serious public health issue tied to higher rates of chronic illness, depression, and loss of independence.

“Older adults who are food insecure are more likely than their food-secure counterparts to have limitations on activities of daily living, have conditions like diabetes and depression, and experience heart attacks. For these reasons, food assistance for low-income older adults is essential,” AARP Massachusetts State Director Jen Benson says in a letter to the governor.

You can read the letter here.

With more than 700,000 members statewide, AARP offers strong advocacy and experience in supporting older residents’ health and financial security. AARP also shares the goal of ending hunger and promoting food security in Massachusetts now and for future generations.

If you think this is a good idea and would like to join in the fight, let us know. Send us an email to ma@aarp.org. AARP advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us in the fight. AARP advocacy volunteers partner with staff at the state and federal levels to influence important legislative issues. You can sign up to be an E-advocate at www.aarp.org/getinvolved.