Seniors, Food Insecurity, & COVID-19

Seniors and older adults are among the most vulnerable in our community. At an increased risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, many seniors and older adults were already more likely to be food insecure before the COVID-19 public health crisis due to limited financial resources, limited ability to obtain and prepare food, and social isolation. Now, older adults may be feeling heightened financial strain as well as isolation and fear of leaving their home to obtain groceries.

The AARP published this article yesterday, listing exclusive grocery store hours for older adults to promote safe shopping and local food assistance programs designed to provide food and groceries to seniors during the pandemic.

Are you an older adult in need of food delivery or a regular check-in call?

Sign up at https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/request-meal-delivery-reassurance?language=en_US for meal delivery and/or a regular check-in call from a volunteer. The Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency is providing these services.

How can you support seniors in your community?

1. The Food Bank Council of Michigan is running a virtual food drive that includes an option to donate money towards Quarantine Boxes for Michigan seniors. Each Quarantine Box contains 22, well-balanced, high protein adult meals. Learn more here: https://www.fbcmich.org/virtualfooddrive
2. Refer older adults (60+) in need of meal delivery or a friendly check-in call to the Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency: https://states.aarp.org/michigan/health-food-help-coronavirus-covid-19-michigan
3. Volunteer to support the services provided by the Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency: https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/aging-services-volunteer?language=en_US
4. Donate directly to Food Gatherers in Washtenaw County to support emergency food services. To learn how to donate food or funds to Food Gatherers, visit: https://www.foodgatherers.org/?module=Page&sID=donate-food
5. Check-in with older adults and seniors in your community and neighborhood.