Helping seniors facing food insecurity

Many seniors in the Orlando area are facing food insecurity. Learn how CenterWellTM partners with local organizations to help feed seniors, and how you can help, too!

Food insecurity was a nationwide issue even before the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, 52 million Americans 60 years and over, or 1 in 14, had limited access to enough food to live a healthy lifestyle. In Florida, 6.7 percent of seniors are reported to face food insecurity, while the Orlando metropolitan area has a rate of 7.0 percent.

As the U.S. deals with COVID-19, seniors are facing even more health and food access challenges. Foodinsecure seniors are more likely to develop nutritionrelated health problems. This is particularly problematic, given their unique, age-related health, financial, and nutritional challenges. It's helpful to understand some of the major factors that contribute to seniors' food insecurity nationwide, which include:

Food costs: Among people age 65 and older, more than 9 percent have incomes below the poverty line. Lack of transportation: Older adults are often less mobile or don't have convenient access to public transportation.

Isolation: Seniors' lack of socialization limits awareness of food programs and other services available.

Stigma: Older adults may not want to be perceived as needing assistance.

Many organizations, like CenterWell, encourage others to check in on seniors. This approach is beneficial, as our patients often comment that they trust us and feel like family. They also appreciate how their immediate healthcare concerns are taken care of. And, CenterWell addresses broader health factors, such as food insecurity, housing, and loneliness.

Taking a more local approach

For CenterWell, ensuring that Orlando's underserved communities have sufficient access to food and care is their focus and mission. Our Orlando Community Engagement Team partners with local food banks, churches and community organizations to support patients' overall well-being -- body, mind and spirit.

To learn more about CenterWell and local food sharing events, please call 407-305-3098 or visit SeniorFocusedOrlando.com.