With grocery prices continuing to strain household budgets, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for federal action to address what she describes as a growing crisis of hunger among older Americans.
Gillibrand on Tuesday urged passage of her Senior Hunger Prevention Act, legislation designed to expand access to food assistance and increase benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
The New York Democrat said more than 12 million seniors nationwide face food insecurity, while fewer than one-third of eligible older adults are currently enrolled in SNAP. She pointed to barriers in the application process and challenges such as mobility and transportation as reasons many seniors do not access available benefits.
The proposed legislation would increase the minimum monthly SNAP benefit for all participants and streamline enrollment and certification processes to make it easier for seniors to qualify and remain in the program. It also includes provisions aimed at expanding food delivery options and supporting local efforts to improve access to fresh food.
Gillibrand framed the proposal as part of a broader response to rising living costs, particularly for older Americans living on fixed incomes.
The bill, introduced with several Democratic lawmakers in both chambers of Congress, also calls for additional outreach to connect seniors, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities to nutrition programs.
If approved, the measure would also provide grants to nonprofits and local service providers to expand access to food in communities, including through partnerships aimed at improving delivery and availability for vulnerable populations.
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