Gillibrand, Fetterman, Bonamici, Salinas Introduce Bill to Fight Senior Hunger

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1) and Andrea Salinas (D-OR-6) introduced the bicameral Senior Hunger Prevention Act to expand Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for older Americans.

Despite facing high rates of food insecurity, less than one-third of eligible older adults are enrolled in SNAP. The Senior Hunger Prevention Act would 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. My legislation would simplify the SNAP application process for seniors and increase the monthly benefit available to all SNAP participants. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I am committed to getting this bill across the finish line so that every senior can access the resources they need for healthy aging."

"It is unacceptable that in our wealthy nation, more than 12 million seniors don't have enough to eat," said Representative Bonamici. "Federal nutrition programs like SNAP are intended to end hunger, but too many older adults and people with disabilities can't easily access them. This bill will make it easier for older adults and adults with disabilities to benefit from nutrition assistance and will raise the value of SNAP benefits so older Americans can age with dignity."

"Across Oregon, too many seniors are struggling to afford groceries while also keeping up with the rising cost of rent, utilities, and health care," said Representative Salinas. "Older adults and caregivers face unnecessary administrative barriers to accessing the nutrition support they qualify for. The Senior Hunger Prevention Act will help cut through that red tape, expand access to healthy, local food, and ensure Oregonians can age with dignity and security. I'm proud to help lead this effort so that no senior in our state has to worry about where their next meal is coming from."

Specifically, the Senior Hunger Prevention Act would:

1. Increase the minimum monthly SNAP benefit for all participants;
2. 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;
3. Support outreach efforts to enroll more older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities in nutrition programs;
4. Enable adults with disabilities to participate in additional nutrition assistance programs;
5. Provide grants to non-profits, local aging and disability service providers, and related organizations to bring fresh, local food to accessible locations;
6. Expand SNAP food delivery options through public-private partnerships and strengthen retail delivery options for older adults and people with disabilities.

In addition to Gillibrand and Fetterman, the Senate bill is 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).

The Senior Hunger Prevention Act is endorsed by: ADvancing States; Alliance to End Hunger; Center for Science in the Public Interest; Defeat Malnutrition Today; Feeding New York State; Feeding Pennsylvania; Feeding Westchester; Generations United; Hunger Free America; Hunger Solutions New York; Justice in Aging; Long Island Cares, Inc. - The Harry Chapin Food Bank; MAZON; Meals on Wheels America; Meals on Wheels Association of Georgia; Meals on Wheels Association of New York State; Meals on Wheels California; Philabundance; Share Our Strength; The Gerontological Society of America; The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs; The National Council on Aging; and USAging. A list of quotes from endorsing organizations can be found here.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.