Addressing Hunger Among LGBTQ Older Adults

For decades, MAZON has worked to identify and remove barriers to food security for older adults in the U.S. And now, older adults are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19, and more likely to be adversely affected by the crisis. We are deeply concerned about the unique needs of LGBTQ older adults, who often face unique and persistent challenges to access services through the charitable food network, in addition to mounting barriers to federal nutrition safety net programs.

By the numbers:

More than 10 million

low-income older adults face hunger and food insecurity in the U.S.

1 in 7

older adults lives in poverty, and 5.3 million adults over the age of 60 struggle with hunger.

3 out of 5

older adults who are eligible for SNAP do not participate.

60% of LGBTQ older adults

are more likely to experience food insecurity than other older adults, with higher levels among those who are transgender and non-white.

This is Hunger
Stories
Read more stories

“If sickness comes along, it can drain all your money in one day. That’s what happened to me.”

Barbara, New York City

”Seniors should be able to live out the rest of their lives in their homes — to have things around them that are familiar. No matter how old we are, we always like to be a little independent, you know?”

Alex, New York
Take Action

Urge Congress: Address Food Insecurity Among LGBTQ Older Adults

Hunger among Americans age 60 and older is a growing crisis. One in seven seniors lives in poverty, and 4.9 million older adults struggle with hunger. Furthermore, LGBTQ older adults often face unique and persistent challenges to accessing assistance programs and the complementary services offered through the charitable food network.

Take action now
Learn more

New Report About Food Insecurity Among LGBTQ Older Adults

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law released a new report that reveals persistent challenges to accessing the charitable food assistance network for LGBTQ individuals, illuminating the experiences of various demographics in both urban and rural settings. Read more.

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