More Area Seniors Face Hunger In 2022

Food insecurity as it relates to older adults typically includes individuals 60 plus years of age with uncertain or inconsistent access to food. The Illinois Department of Human Services classified 8.6% of seniors in the state food insecure pre-COVID-19. During the pandemic a 60% increase in older adult food insecurity was realized.

Today many Illinois seniors now face a new challenge, inflationary food prices. This year rapidly increasing costs at the grocery checkout and health care expenses has forced many older adults to make food or medicine decisions.

“A senior having to make the decision between eating or buying their medicine is unacceptable,” stated Jennifer Prell, President of Elderwerks Educational Services, a Palatine Illinois based non-profit that provides older adult services. In order to help area seniors, make ends meet, Elderwerks is hosting a food drive during October. Mrs. Prell added, “We are seeking staple items like pasta, canned soups/vegetables, pancake mix, peanut butter and granola bars.” A complete wish list is available at https://tinyurl.com/Elderwerks or by visiting www.Elderwerks.org/news. Donations are being accepted at the Elderwerks office at 251 East Northwest Highway in Palatine or a variety of participating businesses throughout Illinois (a complete list of drop-off locations is available at the Elderwerks website.)

Elderwerks Educational Services is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization offering senior living coordination, advocacy, and education. Their complimentary information, referrals and guidance includes senior housing, home care, support, and benefit information. Acting as “senior guidance counselors” they help individuals, or couples figure out how to stay home well or transition successfully. Visit Elderwerks.org or call (855) 462-0100 for complimentary, personal assistance.