September 9, 2024

Richmond, VA – The Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) is a crucial lifeline for food insecure Virginians. SNAP supplements grocery budgets for families in need of food help and injects money into local economies: every dollar spent with SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity. A new report by the National Council on Aging and the Urban Institute reveals that most SNAP-eligible households are not enrolled in the program – and that senior participation is especially low.

This Hunger Action Month, Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) and the Federation of Virginia Food Banks encourage policymakers to reduce administrative barriers and strengthen SNAP benefits for older Virginians, so they don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and other necessities. VPLC and the Federation are joined by the Virginia Food Access Coalition in calling on state legislators to increase the minimum benefit for seniors to $50 per month.

The report estimates that over 100,000 eligible adults 65+ in Virginia are missing out on SNAP benefits, with a 37.4% participation rate statewide. Enrollment is lowest in pockets of Southeast and Northern Virginia: fewer than 1 in 4 eligible seniors receive SNAP benefits in York County and Poquoson City. In Loudon County, only 15.7% of older adults who qualify are actually enrolled in SNAP.

“Virginia has already made some great strides to help seniors access SNAP benefits, but this report shows that we have a long way to go,” said Cassie Edner, public benefits attorney and director of Virginia Hunger Solutions at VPLC. “Raising the minimum benefit, decreasing stigma, easing some of the burdensome SNAP requirements, and increasing access to the agencies that administer these benefits could all be steps forward to increase participation in SNAP.”

The current minimum benefit for a one- to two-person household is $23. The USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan estimates the cost of food for individuals 60+ is over $225 per month.

“We often hear from our clients that they have to choose between putting food on the table or buying their medication, which could ultimately affect their health in the long term,” Edner said.

Increasing the minimum benefit for seniors to $50 would help low-income older adults to navigate higher food costs, better manage complex health conditions, and live independently in their communities.

“Senior hunger is a hidden crisis in the Commonwealth and it has only worsened as grocery prices have increased more than 20% in the last four years,” said Eddie Oliver, executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. “The first and best solution is to ensure that all who are eligible for SNAP are taking advantage of it, but this report demonstrates that we have a lot of work to do. We encourage policymakers to raise benefit levels and increase support for outreach efforts to educate the public about why SNAP is effective and impactful for all of our communities.”

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Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) is the state support center for all civil legal aid programs in Virginia. VPLC’s work breaks down systemic barriers that keep low-income Virginians in the cycle of poverty through advocacy, education, and litigation. Visit vplc.org for more information.

The Federation of Virginia Food Banks, a collaborative network of seven regional food banks and over 1,100 local pantries, is dedicated to eliminating hunger and enhancing nutrition equity across the Commonwealth. We leverage our collective strengths to build partnerships at the intersection of hunger and health and innovate food distribution for more than 900,000 Virginians in need of a helping hand. Together, we aim to build healthier, more resilient communities, ensuring that access to nutrition becomes a cornerstone of wellbeing for all Virginians. Learn more and join the movement at vafoodbanks.org.

Contact: Mara Guyer, VPLC Strategic Communications Manager, Cell: 804-801-2927, mara@vplc.org