WYOMING – Food insecurity is a significant concern for many older adults in Wyoming. In 2020, one out of every 15 adults over the age of 60 experienced food insecurity. This number is too high for the Food Bank of Wyoming to ignore. Therefore, they have taken action to help address the issue and ensure older adults in need across Wyoming don’t face these challenges alone, according to a recent press release.
The Food Bank of Wyoming provides nutritious food through the Mobile Pantries Program and the EverGreen Box Program to qualifying older adults at no cost to them. The EverGreen Box Program provides monthly food boxes to eligible older adults. The Food Bank of Wyoming deploys 19 mobile pantries around the state that distribute nourishing food to communities in need. Along with over 150 Hunger Relief Partners, the Food Bank of Wyoming aims to ensure older adults in need across Wyoming don’t face these challenges alone, the release continues.
The release states, food insecurity, which is defined by the USDA as a “condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food,” affects older adults living alone or with disabilities more severely. Many people living by themselves experience loneliness, health problems, and issues with obtaining enough food. Additionally, older adults with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be food insecure, according to Feeding America. Older adults facing food insecurity also experience more health concerns such as diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, asthma, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
To find out if you or someone you’re helping qualify for the EverGreen Box Program, please visit wyomingfoodbank.org/find-food/older-adults. The Food Bank of Wyoming relies on support to keep its programs operating. Consider a donation today to help provide nutritious meals to older adults and other individuals facing food insecurity at wyomingfoodbank.org/give. Let’s be there for each other and reduce the burden of hunger on older adults across Wyoming.
