Food Insecurity

More than nine million older adults are food insecure. Policies and programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, should aim to ensure nutritious food reaches those in need.

Latest Reports

SNAP Reduces Poverty, Food Insecurity for Older Adults

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential food benefits to millions of Americans with low incomes, including more than 11 million adults ages 50 and older.

Date: July 1, 2025

Data Visualization: Food Insecurity and SNAP Enrollment Among Older Adults

In 2023, 12.6 million (or about 1 in 10) Americans ages 50 and older experienced food insecurity, meaning they had limited or uncertain access to adequate, nutritious food. Food insecurity prevalence rose in 2022 and 2023, following years of decline. Factors like high food prices and the end of pandemic-related benefits may have played a role. At the state level, food insecurity prevalence varies widely and has also changed over time.

Date: April 9, 2025

One in Ten Adults Ages 50-plus Were Food Insecure in 2023

This updated AARP Public Policy Institute Fact Sheet describes trends in food insecurity and selected characteristics of food-insecure adults ages 50 and older.

Date: April 9, 2025

Boosting SNAP Participation Among Older Adults to Reduce Food Insecurity

This series of three papers examines older adults' participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Date: July 6, 2022