Report: Nearly half of New York’s aging population has experienced food insecurity in the past year
Citymeals on Wheels released the analysis with the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute
Cameron Adams, cofounder of design software maker Canva, along with actors Patti Murin and Andrew Rannells join in preparing meals for Citymeals on Wheels at at Encore Community Services on September 24, 2015. Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images
Nearly half of older New Yorkers experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months, according to new data published by Citymeals on Wheels.
Citymeals on Wheels, in partnership with the CUNY Urban Food Policy institute, released the survey results for Aging Without Hunger: Ending Food Insecurity for Older New Yorkers by 2040,, a report which found that 48% of older New Yorkers using older adult center and home-delivered meal programs reported food insecurity. That percentage jumps to 60% for those only receiving home-delivered meals.
“When I founded Greater Prospect Heights Mutual Aid shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began, I saw so many older adults in my neighborhood who were suddenly pushed into food insecurity after being on the brink for years,” said New York City Council Member Crystal Hudson, chair of the Council’s Committee on Aging.
“This research shows that despite the urgency of the pandemic and the increased acknowledgment of food insecurity among older adults, we have not done nearly enough to begin combatting this crisis. By heeding these recommendations, New York City can enact policies and allocate resources that prioritize the well-being and dignity of older adults, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for all.”
The findings go further to show that grocery shopping is a significant challenge for older New Yorkers, with 41% of those surveyed reporting they are sometimes or never able to shop for groceries. Additionally, 38% of elderly New Yorkers surveyed have limited ability to prepare food, with 15% of the population completely unable to cook. Finances are also a barrier, with 65% of those surveyed living on less than $15,000 a year and 32% not receiving social security. These factors, combined with increasing isolation, lack of social support, and the underutilization of public benefits like SNAP, only continue to hurt the elderly population even more, the analysis found.
Responding to the crisis, Citymeals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization that provides food delivery services for aging populations, has committed to ending hunger among older adults in New York City by 2040. The organization plans to expand its delivery programs and conduct more research to continue to understand ongoing challenges faced by older populations. Citymeals on Wheels is calling on elected officials for support in this endeavor.
“Food insecurity has reached a crisis point for many older New Yorkers,” said Beth Shapiro, CEO of Citymeals on Wheels. “Our research points to clear and necessary steps that must be taken to end this crisis. Hunger is a solvable problem, and we are determined to help those in need. Citymeals is committed to ending hunger among older adults in New York City by 2040. And we are calling for a broad community response to make this happen.”