Keep Someone From Going To Bed Hungry

That seniors in the nation’s capital go to bed hungry is an unfortunate reality.

According to a study of senior hunger conducted by the AARP Foundation, 6.55 percent of the 60+ DC residents are food insecure. Surprisingly, more than twice as many who are age 50-59 - 15.41 percent – fall into this category. The study pointed out that the 50-59 year old “does not have access to an age-specific safety net like older Americans (or some younger ones)…” and can be hit harder by job loss.

See Also: People Are Not Getting Enough to Eat

The good news is the AARP Foundation Drive to End Hunger in DC is expanding from one day to more than a week. The traditional food drive in Safeway and Giant grocery stores will be held for two days, Oct. 12-13. AARP volunteers will collect newly purchased, non-perishable food at at least one store in every ward of the city.

The Capital Area Food Bank will distribute the donations to area food pantries. You may register as a Drive to End Hunger-DC volunteer by contacting the AARP DC State Office at aarpdc@aarp.org or at 202-434-7700 by Sept. 21.

Immediately after the traditional in-store food drive, AARP DC will conduct its first virtual food drive. Online donations will be accepted from Oct. 14-20. They will be used to purchase fresh foods which will also be distributed to DC food pantries by the Capital Area Food Bank.

AARP Foundation Resources on Hunger and Food Insecurity

Find resources to help locate food assistance programs; reach out to your community with the SNAP "Create the Good" Tool Kit; Learn more about hunger and food insecurity among older Americans.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need for good health.