Senior hunger is a serious problem. Right now, Maine ranks number one out of all the New England states in terms of food insecurity. The AARP Foundation, together with the New York City Coalition Against Hunger’s Anti-Hunger and Opportunity Corps, will receive VISTA volunteers (VISTAs) to support the Foundation’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program to combat senior hunger in Maine.
Food insecurity includes when people have a reduced quality, variety or desirability of diet, as well as when there is actual disruption of eating and reduced food intact. Last year, the USDA estimated that 14.7% of Maine households, or about 200,000 individuals, were food insecure. They believe that about 5.5% of seniors in Maine are food insecure. According to Good Shepherd Food Bank, 40% of Maine’s food insecure people make too much to qualify for food stamps and must rely on charity food assistance. Senior hunger is real in Maine.
The VISTA volunteers will work with AARP Foundation staff and volunteers on local programs to educate or enroll struggling older people in SNAP/food stamps. VISTA volunteers will also help with training volunteers, engaging in nutrition education and coalition building.
“Nearly 9 million older Americans are at risk for hunger every day – a staggering 79 percent increase in just 10 years,” said AARP Foundation President Jo Ann Jenkins. “Drive to End Hunger is AARP Foundation’s multipronged approach to this problem.” Along with AmeriCorps VISTA, the Foundation is working to combat senior hunger among older adults through education and innovative approaches that will help solve the problem of senior hunger.
VISTAs receive a modest monthly stipend in addition to medical and dental insurance. Also, they receive an educational award upon completion of their work.
The Corporation for National and Community Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Walmart Foundation are the primary funders of this collaboration.
Interested is fighting senior hunger as a VISTA volunteer?
AmeriCorps VISTA, the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty on the front lines in America, has been operating for more than 45 years. Learn more about becoming a VISTA volunteer and apply online. Send a copy of your resume to VISTArecruitment@aarp.org with the following subject header – Last Name, First Name – Preferred Placement State.
