CASPER, Wyo. — Food insecurity is an issue faced acutely by the elderly, which is why the Food Bank of Wyoming offers its Mobile Pantries Program and the EverGreen Box Program, the latter of which provides monthly food boxes to qualifying older adults at no cost to them.
In 2020, one out of every 15 adults over the age of 60 experienced food insecurity. Food insecurity, defined by the USDA as a “condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food,” specifically hits harder for older adults who live alone or have a disability.
Many people living by themselves experience loneliness, health problems and issues with obtaining enough food. Furthermore, older adults with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be food insecure, according to Feeding America.
Despite the factors that influence access to enough food, older adults facing food insecurity also experience more health concerns such as diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, asthma and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Food Bank of Wyoming aims to ensure older adults in need across Wyoming don’t face these challenges alone.
Along with over 150 Hunger Relief Partners, Food Bank of Wyoming deploys 19 mobile pantries around the state that distribute nourishing food to communities in need. Additionally, qualifying older adults can get much-needed relief from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and food boxes via the EverGreen Box Program, also known as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, or CSFP.
The Food Bank of Wyoming distributes 262 CSFP boxes a month in Casper, Cheyenne, Wheatland, Thayne, Sheridan, Laramie and Torrington.