Monroe, LA – The need for food assistance among seniors is on the rise. New Feeding America research shows Louisiana is home to more seniors experiencing hunger than any other state in the country. In fact, an estimated 14 percent of Louisiana’s seniors struggle with food insecurity, which is almost double the national rate.

Feeding America’s latest study, Food Insecurity Among Seniors and Older Adults, sheds light on the extent to which food insecurity affects older adults (age 50-59) and seniors (age 60 and older).

“Food insecurity is so closely tied to negative health outcomes to which seniors are especially vulnerable,” said Jean Toth, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. “With the high cost of groceries and living expenses, too many seniors in our community simply do not have enough money to cover the cost of their groceries.”

The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana provides food assistance to food insecure seniors each month through its Senior Program, Mobile Pantry Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and network of community partners who operate food pantries.

“High food prices are impacting our neighbors who live on low, fixed incomes, especially in our senior community,” said Jean. “The Food Bank is serving more seniors now than in years past, and our goal is to ensure no senior goes hungry.”