Millions of adults ages 50 and older rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Millions of adults ages 50 and older rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Collection:
Health Policy and Services Research
Series Title(s):
Fact sheet (AARP Public Policy Institute)
Author(s):
Dean, Olivia, author
Flowers, Lynda, author
Figueiredo, Carlos, author
Contributor(s):
AARP (Organization), issuing body.
Public Policy Institute (AARP (Organization)), issuing body.
Publication:
Washington, DC : AARP Public Policy Institute, July 2020
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Food Assistance -- statistics & numerical data
Aged
Middle Aged
United States
Genre(s):
Technical Report
Abstract:
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)--the former food stamp program--is the nation's most important anti-hunger program and a vital lifeline for millions of people, including adults ages 50 and older at risk for food insecurity (a consistent lack of food due to inadequate financial resources). In 2018, 9.8 million adults ages 50 and older were food-insecure, and SNAP provides financial resources for many to buy the food they need. Because SNAP is designed to respond to the needs of low-income populations, it is a particularly important program during the current COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic downturn, which has already led to more people qualifying for the program due to reduced or lost incomes. The program is linked to lower rates of food insecurity and improved health outcomes, including reduced hospitalizations among low-income older adults. This Fact Sheet describes selected characteristics of SNAP households that include adults ages 50 and older and the minimum and maximum benefits that these households receive.5 State-level data are included in the appendices.
Copyright:
Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further use of the material is subject to CC BY-NC-ND license. (More information)
Extent:
1 online resource (1 PDF file (8 pages)).
NLM Unique ID:
101771383 (See catalog record)
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101771383