Hunger, Food Insecurity, and Malnutrition

Food insecurity and malnutrition among older adults are pressing public health concerns that significantly impact health, independence, and quality of life.  Factors such as fixed incomes, limited mobility, and social isolation contribute to these issues, leading to increased risks of chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and hospitalizations. However, various resources and programs are available to address these challenges. This guide is designed to help older adults and their caregivers understand the issues and to find local and federal resources for support.

Understanding the Differences:

While closely related, hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition are not the same. Here's how they differ: 

  • Hunger is the physical sensation of discomfort or weakness caused by lack of food. It’s the body’s way of signaling it needs nourishment.
  • Food insecurity is a broader issue that includes lack of access to enough affordable, nutritious food. It may be due to financial limitations, transportation challenges, or living in an area where it is difficult to purchase affordable or good-quality fresh food.  It is estimated that 10.4% of South Carolinians aged 60 and older are food insecure.  Read the latest on older adult food insecurity by reading the latest report from Feeding America – Food Insecurity Among Seniors and Older Adults 2022 (Released 2024).
  • Malnutrition is a condition that occurs when a person’s diet doesn’t provide the right balance of nutrients. This can be due to undernutrition (not enough calories or protein) or overnutrition (excess calories with poor nutrition), and it can happen even if someone is overweight.  It is estimated that up to 50% of older adults are either malnourished or at risk.  Learn more about this topic by reading our Article on Aging - Nourishing the Journey Ahead: Combating Malnutrition in Older Adults Through Care and Connection 

Tips for Caregivers

How to Get Help

Speaking with your physician about the signs and symptoms of malnutrition or food insecurity is crucial for maintaining your health and well-being.  Early detection and treatment, addressing root causes of issues, and preventing complications can promote better healthcare outcomes. 

See below for additional assistance and resources:

Find a Registered Dietitian: Registered Dietitians can offer a personalized consultation based on your medical history, dietary preferences, and lifestyle. This individualized approach ensures that nutritional recommendations are both effective and sustainable for your specific needs.

  • Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a Registered Dietitian.
  • Visit EatRight.org to find a Registered Dietitian in your area.

Find Grocery Delivery Services: This type of service allows individuals to order groceries online or by phone and have them delivered directly to their home. Some organizations also have pick-up services.  These services are especially helpful for individuals with limited mobility, those experiencing transportation barriers, or for those who reside in a low nutritious food access areas.  Examples of grocery services are below.

  • Local Nonprofits: FoodShare South Carolina has numerous hubs across South Carolina that provide fresh fruit and vegetable boxes that can be paid with cash or SNAP. Community Supported Grocery is another resource available in the Charleston area.  Services include mobile delivery of produce, meats, and dairy items and SNAP is also accepted.
  • SNAP Online Purchasing: If you receive the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you may be able to use benefits to shop online from retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and local grocers.

Find Meal Delivery Services: This type of service may provide fully prepared meals or meal kits that are delivered directly to a person’s home. These services are especially valuable for older adults, caregivers, and individuals with chronic health conditions, limited ability to cook, or difficulties accessing transportation.  Depending upon the program type, there may be a fee or a voluntary contribution.

Find Community Resources:

  • Senior Centers: Many locations offer congregate meals, nutrition education, and social opportunities. To get connected to a program in your area, contact your designated Area Agency on Aging.
  • Faith-Based Organizations: Churches and other religious institutions often have food pantries or meal programs.
  • Libraries or Community Centers may provide access to resource guides, nutrition workshops, or mobile food pantry schedules.

Find Food Assistance Programs:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): In South Carolina, SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, is administered by the SC Department of Social Services (SCDSS). The SNAP benefit provides a monthly supplement towards the purchase of nutritious food.  Qualified individuals will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card for approved food items. The South Carolina Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) makes it easier for older individuals to apply for and get SNAP benefits.

SC Thrive is a designated DSS SNAP outreach partner offering direct assistance with the application process.  The SC Thrive Contact Center can be reached by calling 1-800-726-8774.

Healthy Bucks is a program that allows SNAP recipients to obtain additional fresh fruits and vegetables when they use their SNAP benefits to purchase fresh produce at participating farmers’ markets. SNAP recipients who purchase at least $5 with their SNAP EBT card receive $15 in Healthy Bucks tokens to purchase additional fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more and find participating farmer’s markets here.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is a seasonal program that provides access to fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers markets. 

Local Food Banks: Many food banks offer senior-specific programs or mobile food pantries. 

In South Carolina, there are 10 regional Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) that coordinate programs and resources for nutritional health and well-being. Contact your designated AAA and inquire about available nutrition services in your area.

 

Back to top