Stop Senior Hunger Now
Senior Friendship Centers
(239-275-1881 for more information)
is working hard to help older adults in the communities we serve who are struggling with hunger issues. With hunger increasing more than 135% in Southwest Florida, need continues exceed resources. Last year alone Senior Friendship Centers delivered 158,976 meals to the homebound, and served 158,119 meals at our centers. We are working closely with community resources, including local food banks to find solutions. We partnered with the Harry Chapin Food Bank and Florida Gulf Coast University to host the first Hunger Summit, and continue to work closely with community agencies to ensure seniors don’t have to go to bed hungry.
SWFLA Outreach will be taking part in the STOP SENIOR HUNGER initiative.
Further information will be posted here soon.
What You can do to help seniors at risk….
*Visit neighbors who may be hungry, early detection is critical
*Direct people in need to agencies that offer food resources
*Consider joining the Adopt A Senior Friendship Food Bag Program
*Donate money to and/or volunteer with organizations that collect and give food to seniors in need
*Inform and enlist family members, friends, and neighbors in your efforts
How bad is senior hunger in SW Florida?
Over 16% of seniors in Florida face the threat of hunger (ages 60 and above)
About 3,000 seniors 60 and older visit emergency food programs in SWFL each month
Some skip meals to stretch food at home, pay rent, buy medicine or feed children first
The number of seniors who need food assistance continues to grow
Many in need cannot or do not go where the food is
Florida is one of the top 10 states with the highest rates of senior hunger
