What Food Insecurity Means for Senior Long Islanders
Right now, over 300,000 of our Long Island neighbors live with food insecurity, meaning they don’t have reliable access to enough food and often don’t know where their next meal will come from Long Island Cares. Food insecurity disproportionately affects Long Island’s seniors, with senior hunger correlating to negative health outcomes. Senior citizens face unique challenges to accessing food that other demographics may not consider: the impacts of chronic health and mobility issues that are more likely to affect seniors, difficulty with accessing transportation (especially in food deserts), and the reality of living on a fixed income like social security which may not stretch as far as the rising cost of food and cost of living.
Fresh Produce and Fresh Hope from Long Island Cares:
Organizations on Long Island have been working to address the food needs of older adults in various ways. Long Island Cares—the Harry Chapin Food Bank—has drawn attention for several initiatives designed to support seniors. In August, the organization held its fourth annual fresh produce distribution in Huntington, where nearly 500 older adults participated, according to coverage in Newsday. Events like these are often paired with resource fairs that bring together service providers and community groups. At a recent fair, 18 organizations shared programs and opportunities tailored to older Long Islanders.
Another program associated with Long Island Cares is the “Supporting Our Seniors” Mobile Pantry, which travels to senior centers across the region. These monthly visits focus on distributing emergency meals while also connecting participants with information on nutrition and related services. By bringing resources directly to senior centers, the program has attempted to reduce transportation challenges and make food access more consistent. For many attendees, these visits are not only about food but also about building a sense of community around shared support.
Rising Food Costs and Uncertainty about Aid:
Rising food prices remain a concern for many households. National data indicate that grocery costs rose an average of 8.5% in the past year, marking the largest year-to-year increase in more than a decade. For seniors on Long Island who may depend on fixed incomes like Social Security, these increases can feel particularly difficult to manage. Policy changes, such as adjustments to tax deductions or work requirements tied to food assistance programs, add another layer of complexity for those already struggling.
Household budgets for older adults often have to cover not only food but also housing, medication, and transportation. Transportation can be particularly difficult in areas on Long Island that experience a shortage of full-service grocery stores. When costs rise unevenly across categories, balancing those expenses becomes more complicated.
Long Island Cares helps bridge the gap between rising grocery prices and limited incomes. By offering access to fresh produce, nutrition support, and connections to vital community services, Long Island Cares ensures that Long Islander seniors don’t have to make the impossible choice between paying bills and putting healthy meals on the table.
Deep Pockets of Food Insecurity
Even in areas of Long Island that may appear food secure, there are pockets where residents struggle with consistent access to food. For seniors, these challenges can feel hidden from public view but remain very real on a household level. Recognizing where these needs exist is an important step in directing support to the right communities.
FAQs
What does “food insecurity” mean?
The USDA defines food insecurity as not having consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. For seniors, this can mean uncertainty about when or how they will get their next meal.
Why are seniors on Long Island especially affected?
Long Island’s older adults may face unique challenges such as fixed incomes, mobility issues, chronic health conditions, and limited access to transportation—especially in areas with fewer grocery stores.
What is Long Island Cares doing to help?
Long Island Cares runs initiatives like fresh produce distributions, annual resource fairs, and the “Supporting Our Seniors” Mobile Pantry, which delivers meals and connects seniors with community services.