As Americans Struggle To Afford Basic Needs, Gillibrand Demands Passage Of Her Legislation To Fight Senior Hunger

As Americans Struggle To Afford Basic Needs, Gillibrand Demands Passage Of Her Legislation To Fight Senior Hunger

Apr 22, 2026

***Watch her virtual press conference here***

Amid rising grocery prices and a cost-of-living crisis, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand passage of her legislation to help seniors put food on the table.

Nationwide, over 12 million older Americans face food insecurity. Despite this, less than one-third of eligible older adults are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Gillibrand's Senior Hunger Prevention Act would increase the minimum monthly SNAP benefit for all participants and eliminate unnecessary administrative hurdles to make it easier for seniors to receive SNAP benefits.

"Skyrocketing grocery prices in President Trump's America have left too many seniors struggling to put food on the table," said Senator Gillibrand. "Unfortunately, the complexity of the current application process for SNAP benefits deters many older adults from using this critical resource. Other older adults have mobility and transportation challenges that make it difficult to go to the store, carry heavy groceries, or prepare meals at home. My legislation would simplify the SNAP application process for seniors, increase the monthly benefit available to all SNAP participants, and expand SNAP food delivery options. This is critical to make sure that every senior can access the nutritious food they need for healthy aging, and I am determined to get this bill across the finish line."

The Senior Hunger Prevention Act comes in the wake of Republicans' $186 billion cut to SNAP in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It also comes as President Trump is spending billions of dollars on his illegal, reckless, and deeply unpopular war with Iran.

Gillibrand introduced this bicameral legislation last week alongside Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1) and Andrea Salinas (D-OR-6). The Senate bill is also cosponsored by Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).

Specifically, the Senior Hunger Prevention Act would:

• Increase the minimum monthly SNAP benefit for all participants;
• Simplify application and certification processes for eligible individuals in nutrition programs, including SNAP, and ensure they can stay enrolled in programs for longer periods of time;
• Support outreach efforts to enroll more older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities in nutrition programs;
• Enable adults with disabilities to participate in additional nutrition assistance programs;
• Provide grants to non-profits, local aging and disability service providers, and related organizations to bring fresh, local food to accessible locations;
• Expand SNAP food delivery options through public-private partnerships and strengthen retail delivery options for older adults and people with disabilities.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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