Did you know that Alabama has the second highest rate (12.8%) of food insecurity among seniors? Senior hunger is often hidden. Here at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, we are working to illuminate this problem as well as fight it. TOGETHER we can #EndSeniorHunger in Alabama.
Currently, the Food Bank works with UAB’s Geriatrics Clinic to screen seniors for food insecurity and provide them with a food box, produce, and resources right then in the clinic. Additionally, we are providing special food boxes geared toward senior-specific health needs through our community partners and partner agencies. Some of our partner agencies even have special, senior-only distributions or deliver to the home-bound.
The Benefits Enrollment Center helps eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities find and enroll in benefits programs. This helps clients put money towards necessities like prescriptions, insurance, and housing costs.
Our SNAP Outreach Coordinator helps seniors navigate the application process for the following benefits programs:
SNAP Assistance
Medicare Part D Extra Help (or Low-Income Subsidy, LIS)
Medicare Savings Program
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Free Cell Phone
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
“I was a geriatric nurse – I visited people in their homes. I saw the need, oh Lord,” says Mary Swain, director of Christ Deliverance Food Pantry. That’s why she started this special senior day. “The seniors love [their special distribution day.] A lot of the seniors use walkers or have oxygen tanks. This way is safer, and we can serve them much faster. They also love getting together and talking. The protein packs are great too! It is easy for them to prepare and healthy for them because they don’t get a lot of protein because they cannot afford it.”