According to recent data, 29% of Orange County seniors experience food insecurity. This means that there is not enough food for a particularly healthy and active life. This number is increasing dramatically. Part of the reason is that older adults are the fastest growing demographic, creating a “silver tsunami” of residents reaching age 65 and older. This surge is being fueled by a growing number of older adults, who are projected to account for nearly a quarter of the county’s population in just a few decades.Inflation and jump-in Contributing to this difficult scenario is that grocery store prices have increased by 25% since 2020 and show no signs of slowing down. April is Senior Hunger Awareness Month, and the pressing needs to address the nutritional status of older adults require continued attention and action.
As this need grows, organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and Meals on Wheels Orange County are playing a critical role in addressing hunger among seniors. These nonprofit organizations share a common goal of providing nutritious food to this vulnerable population, meeting seniors where they are and providing them with the critical nutrition they need for health and vitality. We make sure that you can take in the following.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County works with partners to provide dignified, fair and consistent access to nutritious food and build the foundation for community health. To address this need of seniors, Second Harvest pioneered the Park It His Market program as a key component of the senior grocery program. The Park It Market program debuted in 2018 as a national first. A mobile walk-up market housed in a refrigerated trailer allows seniors to select free fresh produce, protein and dairy products that can be purchased directly from the doorstep of their senior center or senior apartment. communities throughout the county. Second Harvest also recently released a “proof of concept” trailer for Park It Market 2. The trailer is affectionately named Granny’s Market in honor of her mother, whose family foundation’s generous donation helped launch the vehicle. It is double-sided and comes with a shelf. Elderly people can get what they want to eat.
Meals on Wheels Orange County helps combat hunger among at-risk seniors through nutritious meals, therapeutic care, social connections, and other services that help maintain independence and quality of life. I am working on eliminating loneliness. Meals on Wheel OC drives a vision, overall strategic initiatives and priorities, and is deeply committed to being an advocate for senior care in Orange County. Nutritious recipes are planned by registered dietitians and distributed through Meals on Wheels’ Lunch Café Program, Adult Day Healthcare Center or Meals on Wheels Home Delivery Program to meet the daily needs of this vulnerable population. Contains 100% nutritional value.
Enabling low-income and fixed-income seniors to receive food deliveries is just one aspect of managing senior nutrition. Equally important is the provision of nutritious foods essential to maintaining good health. It’s important for seniors to make every bite count and prioritize foods rich in protein and fiber, such as oatmeal, beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Appetite can also decrease with age, so it is important for seniors to eat three full meals a day and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
In Orange County, where 1 in 4 seniors face food insecurity, the looming “silver tsunami” and soaring food prices have led to the closure of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and Meals on Wheels Orange. This highlights the important role played by organizations such as counties. To help or support a senior in need, visit feedoc.org/need-food or call 211 or the Orange County Agency on Aging toll-free at (800) 510-2020 .
Financial support is essential to sustaining these critical programs and ensuring that no senior citizen goes hungry or feels forgotten in their community. You can also volunteer your time at Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County or Meals on Wheels Orange County. Together, let’s celebrate Senior Hunger Awareness Month by reaffirming our commitment to senior nutrition and well-being, and protecting the health and dignity of Orange County’s beloved seniors.
Holly Hagler is president and CEO of Meals on Wheels Orange County and Claudia Bonilla Keller is CEO of Second Harvest. Orange County Food Bank.
