Senior food insecurity is a growing but often overlooked crisis. It means means not having reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. As our population ages and the cost of living rises, this issue is becoming increasing urgent. According to Statistics Canada, food insecurity among older adults has risen by 40 per cent in just the past two years.
Food insecurity is felt worldwide, not just here in Canada. In Canada, there are 5,500 food banks, and in one month alone, 2 million people visited them. For seniors, this means hunger is paired with a limited ability to access nutritious food due to mobility issues, fixed incomes, and the rising costs of medicine and health care. In recent years, we have seen significant increases in the cost of food, rental housing (increased by over 30 per cent of one’s income) and overall living expenses.
Seniors on a fixed income sometimes have to make the difficult choice of paying for their medications or buying food. For example, Seniors Blue Cross does not always cover the full cost of prescriptions, and some medications are not covered at all. This often leaves seniors paying $200 - $300 out of pocket each month.
Seniors can be vulnerable in many areas, but when it comes to food insecurities, those most affected are low-income seniors, those living alone, and those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Food insecurity has devastating effects on older adults, including increased hospital visits, malnutrition, and an overall lower quality of life.
In Medicine Hat, our community is working to address seniors’ needs and reduce food insecurity. Partnerships with organizations like the Root Cellar, community kitchens, and local grocery stores all play a role. At the Unison Veiner Centre, the wellness market is stocked daily with fresh fruits, vegetables, and bread for seniors. We also host monthly community kitchens, in partnership with the Root Cellar, where seniors can come together to prepare meals, build connections, and take-home nutritious food at low cost.
Food insecurity among seniors is a hidden crisis with wide-reaching consequences. As the senior population continues to grow, so must our efforts to ensure they live with dignity, health, and access to basic needs.