Growing Concern: Tackling Senior Food Insecurity in Kentucky – Insights from the Humana Foundation Report

The Humana Foundation, part of Humana Inc., has released a new report titled **Senior Food Insecurity in Kentucky: A Growing Public Health Challenge**. This report sheds light on how many older adults in Kentucky are struggling to access healthy food.

In Kentucky, food insecurity among seniors aged 65 and older has reached 12.0%, which is higher than the national average of 9.2%. This means one in eight seniors in the state is facing difficulty in getting enough nutritious food. Additionally, about 20% of older adults here report having type 2 diabetes, which is closely linked to dietary issues. Mental health is also affected, with many seniors experiencing depression, often fueled by lack of food access.

Danielle Neveles-McGrath, Chief Impact Officer of the Humana Foundation, emphasizes the importance of good nutrition for seniors. She notes that many face challenges such as limited mobility, social isolation, and financial constraints that prevent them from accessing food assistance. “We need more community-driven solutions that listen to seniors and address their needs,” she says.

The report reveals a strong link between food access and mental health. Seniors who feel lonely or lack social support are more likely to struggle with food insecurity. For instance, Ms. Terri from Scottsville shared her experience, saying, “There are months I skip meals. We’re suffering and we shouldn’t have to.”

In urban areas, seniors also face obstacles like transportation issues and difficulty navigating online food resources. Organizations like Dare to Care Food Bank in Louisville are stepping up to help by providing delivery services and mobile food markets.

To tackle the growing issue of food insecurity, the report suggests prioritizing several key areas:

• Community Programs: Fund initiatives that focus on nutrition and social connections for seniors.
• SNAP Enrollment: Boost outreach efforts for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; currently, only 18.5% of eligible seniors in Kentucky are enrolled.
• Collaboration: Encourage partnerships across sectors, such as healthcare and agriculture, to create a supportive food ecosystem for seniors.
• Research: Support studies that explore senior food insecurity and implement best practices to enhance health and well-being.

This report underscores the need for a collective effort from various sectors to create robust solutions for Kentucky’s seniors. As Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation, states, “We must build a sustainable food ecosystem that meets the needs of our older population.”

For more detailed insights, you can read the complete issue brief on the Humana Foundation’s website: Senior Food Insecurity in Kentucky.

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