Thousands of seniors in Virginia including 37% of those aged 65 and older, are missing out on vital food assistance through SNAP benefits due to poor outreach and a complicated application process, highlighting the need for policymakers and advocacy groups to take action to improve food security and quality of life for Virginians.
Thousands of Seniors Miss Out on SNAP Benefits
A recent report of WRIC reveals a major issue in Virginia despite over 100,000 people qualifying for SNAP and many aren’t enrolled. This problem is especially severe among seniors aged 65 and older with only 37% participating. This highlights the urgent need for action from policymakers and advocacy groups.
Nationally, about 70.2% of eligible Americans are not using SNAP leaving 9 million struggling to afford food. In Virginia, some counties have high numbers of eligible but unenrolled seniors—Henrico County has 4,773, Richmond has 3,274 and Chesterfield County has 3,247. This points to a need for better outreach and support.
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(photo: Virginia Poverty Law Center)
Millions of Seniors Miss Out on Vital Food Assistance
The President and CEO of the National Council on Aging calls the situation “shocking and unacceptable,” stressing that many older adults are missing out on vital support. The organization is urging increased efforts to raise awareness and simplify access to SNAP benefits.
The report indicates that low enrollment is due to poor outreach and a complicated application process. Many seniors may lack information find the system difficult or feel embarrassed to seek help. Addressing these issues is essential for improving food security and quality of life for Virginians.
