Fighting Food Insecurity in Virginia

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More than 700,000 Virginians worry every day about where their next meal is coming from, according to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.

September is Hunger Action Month and AARP Virginia is working to increase awareness of food insecurity. Individuals and groups are encouraged to get involved and help spread the word .

About 1 in 10 older adults don't have consistent access to enough food for an active lifestyle. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that helps people make ends meet. Recipients get a discreet debit card to help pay for groceries.

SNAP is a vital safety net that helps reduce food insecurity, promotes independence and contributes to the health of older adults. SNAP empowers older adults to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The program helps provide affordable food for about 8.7 million families with members over age 50, but many more are eligible. The program boosts older adult food budgets by an average of $142 monthly. SNAP participation helps increase food security, reduce poverty, and reduce health care costs.

SNAP helps keep older adults out of the hospital, the emergency room and nursing homes. SNAP enrollment reduced Medicaid spending by $2,360 among older adults who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, according to a 2021 study.

For older adults, SNAP offers the Elderly Simplified Application Process (ESAP) to make it easier to apply. Households might qualify for a three-year qualification period if all members are age 60 or older and do not have earned income. Information about how to qualify is available at the USDA website.

Medical bills can make it harder for older adults to afford the essentials. People over 60 or individuals with disabilities who qualify for SNAP may be able to get a larger monthly benefit by deducting out-of-pocket medical expenses that are more than $35. Reporting these expenses in the SNAP application process can mean even more benefits to help pay for food each month. AARP Foundation has a handy SNAP Medical Deduction Worksheet that applicants can use.

Why it matters

According to the AARP Foundation, about 10 million people over 50 are classified as having low or very low food security. Additionally, Feeding America says more than 5.5 million people over the age of 60 are food insecure, meaning they don't have steady access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Most are eligible for SNAP benefits, but according to the AARP Public Policy Institute, just 29% of adults over age 60 who are eligible for SNAP participate in the program. This is the lowest percentage of any age group. Many underserved communities are located in food deserts — areas where affordable, nutritious food isn't easy to find—making it harder and more expensive to eat healthy. Without access to a nutritious diet, older adults have a much higher chance of developing serious health issues.

SNAP plays a crucial role in supporting the nutritional needs of older Virginians. Older adults face unique challenges, such as fixed incomes, rising health care costs and expensive prescription drugs. SNAP benefits provide eligible older adults with the means to buy nutritious food, which is essential for preventing disease, supporting strength and promoting a higher quality of life.

In Virginia, the process to sign up for SNAP is simple and there are several methods individuals can use. Individuals can apply online through the CommonHelp portal or submit a paper application to their local department of social services. Eligibility for SNAP benefits is based on financial and non-financial criteria, and applicants may have to provide proof of identity, residence, income and resources.

The benefits of SNAP for older adults extend beyond the ability to buy food. The program also supports the local economy by allowing beneficiaries to spend their benefits at authorized retailers, including farmers' markets, which can provide access to fresh, locally sourced produce. The Virginia Fresh Match program allows SNAP recipients to buy fruits and vegetables at participating markets for half price, stretching the value of SNAP benefits.

To sign up for SNAP or find more information, the Virginia Department of Social Services website offers detailed guidance on eligibility, the application process, and the benefits available. By taking advantage of SNAP, older Virginians can secure the nutritional support they need to thrive.

Individuals can also call the Department of Social Services by dialing 2-1-1 from their phone to sign up for SNAP. 2-1-1 can also provide information on obtaining other help, such as finding affordable housing, job training, adult day care, or help paying for utilities.


How to help

AARP Virginia volunteers have led food collection efforts in local communities for more than 15 years. Donated items provide food banks and local pantries with an extra boost of staples in preparation for the winter months ahead.

The volunteers' outreach includes providing resources and information in local communities, including information and resources at public events that encourage individuals to check if they qualify for SNAP.

Groups of volunteers will take part in Hunger Action Month activities in 2024 both in-person and virtually. Collection sites statewide will accept food for community food banks and food pantries. AARP Chapters and Virginia Retired Teachers Association units across the Commonwealth are organizing food drives in their communities throughout September.

Virginians can help right where they live. Clubs, faith organizations, schools and other groups can join the effort by hosting food drives and promoting SNAP benefits. Individuals or groups can also help by finding food collection sites, getting the word out about food drives and volunteering at food pantries.

More than 900,000 Virginians are at risk for hunger. While donations to food banks have decreased, requests for food help have increased. The Federation of Virginia Food Banks offers a starting point for individuals who want to help. Individuals or groups can contact their local food bank using the online directory: https://vafoodbanks.org/virginia-food-bank-locator/.

Learn about the Food and Nutrition Security Research supported by AARP Foundation.