Libby Hayes’ Post

Lack of transportation. Dietary restrictions. Disability. There are several reasons Massachusetts seniors are not getting the healthy meals they need to thrive. Our fourth annual food equity and access report aims to address these barriers by engaging with those most affected: seniors with lived expertise of food insecurity. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/edqd_Gks #FeedingEasternMA #EndHungerHere #FoodInsecurity

Grocery costs are still high! The Older Americans Nutrition Program has been able to help increase nutrition security and reduce social isolation for seniors with programs like Meals on Wheels. There’s a pressing need to increase funding to account for more seniors needing these services AND increased grocery costs! #NutritionSecurity #SupportHealthyAging #SupportSeniors #HealthyMeals https://lnkd.in/eXmwkTwK

Today, 1 in 12 older adults in the U.S. experiences food insecurity — a number projected to increase in the coming years as the population ages. And older adults facing uncertain access to food are at risk for problems that affect every aspect of their lives.    Learn more:    https://lnkd.in/etUbVZGC  #seniorcare #informedchoices #seniorhealth #healthyeating #chicagohealth

Today, Congress is voting on a crucial bill that impacts funding for Meals on Wheels, and we need you to speak up for aging Americans! Right now, Congress is finalizing a short-term solution to keep the government running until December 20 that would fund Meals on Wheels at current levels. But this plan doesn’t provide the long-term funding or the increases that local Meals on Wheels programs urgently need as demand rises and resources dwindle. What does this mean?  Without more funding, local programs across the country will struggle to meet the growing needs of seniors who depend on Meals on Wheels. With one in three Meals on Wheels programs facing waitlists, some as long as two years, we can't let seniors be left behind. How you can help: 1) Tell Congress We Need Full Funding: Tell Congress to increase funding to $1.842 billion. This will help ensure millions of food-insecure seniors who need Meals on Wheels get the support they deserve. 2) Give to Support Our Work: We need more grassroots support from people like you to keep Meals on Wheels going. Every dollar counts. It takes just a moment to email your senators and representatives. Help us make sure seniors are not forgotten in this critical vote. The needs of our aging neighbors are not being prioritized in America, but your voice can help change that. Because if we don’t speak up for seniors, who will?

'Expanding Free School Meals is right for children's health and right for the economy' - Liberal Democrats MP Munira Wilson She made the comments during our event in UK Parliament to introduce new MPs to our #NourishingTheNation manifesto. Children are the future, but their diets are not setting them up well for a productive, healthy life. Many are experiencing food insecurity and the most deprived children in society have higher risks of obesity and dental decay, and are on average shorter than the least deprived children. Improving access to nutritious food for all children is essential if they are to achieve their full potential. Read more: ➡ https://lnkd.in/eja9YWvw

Did you know? South Carolina has the 2nd highest rate of senior food insecurity in the U.S. at 10.4%. Since 1999, chronic food insecurity more than tripled in families with adults aged 60 or older. That's approximately 1 in 4 families with older adults living with food insecurity. As the access to healthy food decreases, health issues and costs increase, affecting not only individuals suffering with food insecurity but our entire community. #healthawareness #feedpeoplenotlandfills https://lnkd.in/e_jTbnCy

As the world ages, the importance of ensuring that our elderly population receives nutritious and delicious meals becomes increasingly critical. 🍽️👵👴 For many seniors, especially those with mobility issues or living independently, preparing meals can become a daunting task. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gT6QQY3B

A much needed report from the House of Lords. More than 20% of children start primary school with overweight or obesity, rising to over 36% by the time they leave. We have to act for the sake of individuals, the NHS and society. #GoodFoodOxfordshire #OxfordshireInclusiveEconomyPartnership

The EAT FOR LiFE PROJECT #chefkennyminor Empowering Youth: Nutrition Education and Community-Based Interventions to Fight Obesity #eatforlifekids #community #chefkennyminor Over the last three decades, there has been a significant rise in the rates of overweight and obesity among children 6-19 in black and brown communities in the United States. This rise in poor dietary habits has placed African American and other minority children aged 6-19, especially those in low-income areas, at an elevated risk for diet-related chronic conditions like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Having been an overweight kid and adult this issue touches home. This is why I, along with my team launched the Eat For Life program In 2010, to address the significant gap in education about healthy food choices in communities of color. This initiative actively engages community residents to foster healthier lifestyles through balanced diets and the formation of sustainable, healthy habits. If your organization, church, or school could benefit from the Eat for Life Project, please reach out to us. Let's give our children the most valuable gift of all—the gift of life. #national #minorty #healtheducation

Food insecurity is a hidden epidemic in the USA. Hunger affects older Americans in many ways. As more of us try to stretch a limited income to cover fast-rising costs for housing, healthcare and other essentials, food too often gets squeezed out of the budget picture. How many factors can you list that contribute to senior hunger? Food insecurity impacts older citizens today in health care, housing, financial and legal aid, transportation, community-based care . . . and the list goes on. The senior safety net has frayed as social security cost of living no longer keeps pace with the demands seniors are now facing.