San Diego County Seniors Need Your Support

Published On: August 15th, 2022By Categories: Community Support, Resources3.8 min read

It’s an early August morning in Alpine, CA. There is only so much time until the sun is fully shining and the heat really kicks in. A small crowd gathers in the shade of the parking lot that serves as Alpine Mobile Pantry to pick up no-cost food. Feeding San Diego’s bright orange truck, which drove out all the food earlier in the morning, waits nearby. Most of these people who gathered are seniors. Food insecurity is prevalent among seniors. Many of them live on fixed incomes and must address health issues associated with aging.  

A man with a white beard and cowboy had accepts a melon from a Feeding San Diego volunteer at the Alpine Mobile Pantry

A volunteer assists a senior couple attending the Alpine Mobile Pantry

The Truth About Seniors and Food Insecurity

“I first started coming to the pantry in 2019. Our neighbor told us about it because he saw that we were really struggling,” said Maerene, a senior who attends the Alpine Mobile Pantry. “With COVID and the economy, we lost everything. All we are living on is social security, and that’s pretty tight. My husband has a lot of health issues, so he has a lot of medical bills. It’s tough. Fortunately, my husband’s health has improved a lot, but we’ve learned how to adjust to a different kind of life. This really helps. We used to get a basket full of groceries for $50, but now we get a bag full. It’s just too expensive. It’s kind of scary. Everything has gone up. This helps keep us alive.” 

“With COVID and the economy, we lost everything. This helps keep us alive.”

According to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief network, 5.2 million seniors (6.8%, or 1 in 15) across the country were food insecure in 2020. Feeding America recently released The State of Senior Hunger in America in 2020, which presents data from 2020. Their research shows that many seniors experienced food insecurity at higher rates, including those who identify as Black, Latino, or Native American; have lower incomes; are younger (aged 60-69); have a disability; and are renters. 

The Dangers of Senior Hunger

Maerene’s story is not isolated. Lorna, a senior who frequents the mobile pantry in Julian, told us about how the rising costs have affected her life. “About three months ago my house payment went up $400 and, living on a fixed income, that was very difficult,” Lorna shared. “My granddaughter saw that you had Feeding San Diego up here, so she calls me every month and lets me know when you have it. It’s a great help, especially when you’re on a fixed income, and I know there are several elderly couples up here like me who need the help.”

A woman with white hair stands in front of a Feeding San Diego truck at a mobile pantry that supports the Feeding Seniors program

Lorna, a senior who relies on Feeding San Diego’s mobile pantry in Julian

The pandemic upended so many people’s lives. For seniors who already face challenges such as economic insecurity and living alone, a lot is working against them. In fact, according to the 2022 WeAllCount Point-in-Time Count, 24 percent of San Diegans currently experiencing homelessness are over 55, with 4 percent of those seniors experiencing homelessness for the first time. It’s clear that the senior community needs additional support to ensure they can live healthy, thriving lives.  

Feeding San Diego partners with local nonprofits to provide nutritious, healthy food for low-income seniors. The Feeding Seniors program aims to improve senior food security, reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, and increase self-sufficiency. Many seniors are served by the Mobile Pantry Program, which provides nutritious food at no cost in food deserts in areas in the Eastern parts of San Diego County.  

How To Help This National Senior Citizens Day

August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day. It’s a day to honor older citizens and bring attention to the challenges that aging can bring. Across the board at Feeding San Diego, we have people who need help and who can give help. We have many seniors who rely on our programs for support. We also have many seniors who generously donate their time to help provide that support to seniors in their community.  

Given that 14.9 percent of San Diego County’s population is 65 years or over, it’s important to understand the unique challenges this community faces. You can donate to support seniors or volunteer your time to ensure that San Diego County seniors have the food resources they need to thrive. Learn more about how to get involved for National Senior Citizens Day.