NYMC Faculty Publications
DOI
10.22158/wjssr.v2n1p13
Journal Title
World Journal of Social Sciences Research
First Page
13
Last Page
23
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2015
Department
Health Policy and Management
Keywords
food insecurity, elderly, social safety net, health status, unmet needs
Disciplines
Food Studies | Health Policy | Medicine and Health Sciences
Abstract
Food insecurity, a critical problem in the developing world, has recently received increased attention among wealthy nations. Food insecurity, broadly defined, is when a lack of resources prevents household members from having enough food. In the US, food insecurity has been rising while social safety net programs to ameliorate hunger among at-risk households have been targeted for cuts by conservatives. Our main objective was to assess the prevalence and impact of food insecurity among the elderly. In a survey of 500 older, homebound meal clients in New York City, we found that nearly one in five (17%) is food insecure, 89% endure chronic health problems, 14% live with severe functional impairments, 38% are in declining health, and 10% experience unmet needs for services. New York City’s oldest community residents have serious health problems, multiple unmet social service needs, and often suffer from food insecurity. Understanding the relationship between these issues is critical if community organizations and government agencies at all levels—even in wealthy countries—are to be more effective in assuring the well being of their oldest residents.
Recommended Citation
Arno, P. S., Knapp, K., Russo, S., & Viola, D. (2015). Rising Food Insecurity and Conservative Policy in the US: Impact on the Elderly. World Journal of Social Sciences Research, 2 (1), 13-23. https://doi.org/10.22158/wjssr.v2n1p13
Publisher's Statement
Originally published in World Journal of Social Sciences Research, 2 (1), 13-23. The original material can be found here.
