Responding to food insecurity

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the already dire problem of elder hunger in California and across the United States. According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 7.3 million older adults are food insecure nationwide and this number is expected to increase. In response to the pandemic and the increasing need for food assistance, LifeSTEPS tripled its commitment to improving the quality of life for low-income, older adults and families throughout California by delivering food commodities.

With March designated as Older Californians Nutrition Month, LifeSTEPS would like to thank our partners who have helped us provide nearly $762,000 in food support to our older adults and families during COVID-19. Thanks to the generosity of local food banks and food pantries, YMCA food donations, home delivered meals, Grab and Go senior meals and Great Plates, we have been able to provide food baskets to seniors and families facing food insecurity during these uncertain times presented by COVID-19. We are so grateful to have this support.

Food is an essential part of living, and many people haven’t had access to the food they need both before and during the pandemic. We are proud that our LifeSTEPS team, with the help of our partners, helped reduce hunger by distributing food baskets to seniors and families in need at nearly 340 low-income apartment communities across California. By reducing hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, residents will live healthier and more independent lives.