Two Slices of Bread: Community Food Support Services and Older Adults

Today, many older adults in Canada face food insecurity, however, there is a lack of research addressing this critical issue. With the recent Covid-19 pandemic and rising neoliberal austerity measures many older adults are becoming increasingly vulnerable to food insecurity. This study aims to explore the question of how community food support services can enhance their programming to fit the needs of the growing older adult population. Utilizing in-depth qualitative interviews conducted either in person or online, the researcher gathered insights from two older adults aged 60 plus and two service providers working in the field of older adults and food insecurity. The service providers working with aging adults emphasized that pride serves as a significant barrier preventing older adults from accessing food support. To combat these challenges, the research recommends the implementation of community initiatives to destigmatize accessing support from food banks. Additionally, the older adults expressed concerns about the lack of fresh produce available at community food banks. To address this, the research suggests that food banks foster partnerships with local farmers and grocery stores to increase the amount of fresh produce available. These findings highlight the importance of this topic and serve as a call to action. Further research is essential to tackle this critical topic, as well as the implementation of targeted community initiatives and policies aimed at tackling this important social issue.