As the number of senior citizens continues to grow, groups in Columbia and beyond are focusing on combating rising food insecurity among those 60 and older.
Recent data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) shows about 114,216 Missourians aged 60 or older did not have consistent access to food for their household in 2021. Studies indicate that this number has only continued to increase, as price indexes show food prices in May 2023 were 6.7% higher than in May 2022.
According to Teri Walden, executive director at Meals on Wheels Columbia, this same trend has been illustrated in Columbia.
“Last year we served 47,000 meals,” Walden said. “We had 60 more clients than we had the year before. So, yeah it was kind of a rapid growth.”
Meals on Wheels Columbia delivers hot, nutritious meals to seniors in Columbia Monday through Friday. Recipients also have the option to receive frozen meals for the weekend.
As the number of senior citizens continues to grow, groups in Columbia and beyond are focusing on combating rising food insecurity among those 60 and older.
Recent data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) shows about 114,216 Missourians aged 60 or older did not have consistent access to food for their household in 2021. Studies indicate that this number has only continued to increase, as price indexes show food prices in May 2023 were 6.7% higher than in May 2022.
According to Teri Walden, executive director at Meals on Wheels Columbia, this same trend has been illustrated in Columbia.
“Last year we served 47,000 meals,” Walden said. “We had 60 more clients than we had the year before. So, yeah it was kind of a rapid growth.”
Meals on Wheels Columbia delivers hot, nutritious meals to seniors in Columbia Monday through Friday. Recipients also have the option to receive frozen meals for the weekend.
In an effort to help address this issue, Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order in January 2023 that established Missouri’s Master Plan on Aging. The plan aims to support seniors by focusing on several key areas in addition to food insecurity, including daily life and employment, family caregivers, housing and aging in place, long-term services and support, safety and security, transportation and mobility, and whole person health.
Community members have the chance to share their thoughts on how the plan can improve and expand at various meetings across the state over the next month, hosted by DHSS.
People in Jefferson City had an opportunity to voice their feedback at the state’s first meeting on Monday at Aging Best. According to Rebecca Nowlin, CEO of Aging Best, a significant area of concern is senior food insecurity.
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“The need for food and nutrition is a huge problem and getting bigger everyday,” Nowlin said. “There’s so many people who are so very close to being in real trouble and not having nutritious food.”
According to the Administration for Community Living, the number of people over age 60 is growing, while the number of people under 60 is shrinking. By 2030, about 25% of Missouri’s population will be over the age of 60.
Volunteers at Meals on Wheels Columbia said they see a need for their services continue to grow exponentially. Fred McCabe, who has been helping deliver meals for the past two years, said it is a very rewarding experience.
“Making sure people are okay and delivering a warm and nutritious meal makes you feel good, and makes them feel good,” McCabe said.
Volunteer opportunities and links to donate are available on Meals on Wheels’ website.
o help address this issue, Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order in January 2023 that established Missouri’s Master Plan on Aging. The plan aims to support seniors by focusing on several key areas in addition to food insecurity, including daily life and employment, family caregivers, housing and aging in place, long-term services and support, safety and security, transportation and mobility, and whole person health.
Community members have the chance to share their thoughts on how the plan can improve and expand at various meetings across the state over the next month, hosted by DHSS.
People in Jefferson City had an opportunity to voice their feedback at the state’s first meeting on Monday at Aging Best. According to Rebecca Nowlin, CEO of Aging Best, a significant area of concern is senior food insecurity.
“The need for food and nutrition is a huge problem and getting bigger every day,” Nowlin said. “There’s so many people who are so very close to being in real trouble and not having nutritious food.”
According to the Administration for Community Living, the number of people over age 60 is growing, while the number of people under 60 is shrinking. By 2030, about 25% of Missouri’s population will be over the age of 60.
Volunteers at Meals on Wheels Columbia said they see a need for their services to continue to grow exponentially. Fred McCabe, who has been helping deliver meals for the past two years, said it is a very rewarding experience.
“Making sure people are okay and delivering a warm and nutritious meal makes you feel good, and makes them feel good,” McCabe said.
Volunteer opportunities and links to donate are available on Meals on Wheels website.