Hunger Action Month
Hunger Action Month may be over but the fight to combat hunger is ongoing. Below we present our CEO, Portia Roberson’s call to action for Hunger Action Month and how Focus: HOPE is taking steps to ensure no senior goes hungry and what people can do to help the fight.
No Senior Should Go Hungry: A Call to Action This Hunger Action Month
Portia Roberson
Chief Executive Officer
Focus: HOPE
As we enter Hunger Action Month this September, we are reminded of the critical importance of addressing food insecurity, particularly among our most vulnerable neighbors: seniors. In Michigan, more than 44,000 seniors a month rely on Focus: HOPE to meet one of their most basic needs—food. The stakes are high, and the time to act is now.
According to a Feeding America report, 1.4 million adults in Michigan experience food insecurity, and by 2050, 9 million seniors in the United States are expected to be in this situation. Persistent inflation and the end of pandemic-era benefits have caused an uptick in food insecurity in households, especially for our senior citizens. Michigan at 11.9% food insecure has been reported to be slightly above the national average of 11.2% based on 2022 data from the USDA Economic Research Service website last updated in October 2023.
Food insecurity remains a pervasive issue, particularly among our elderly population. An estimated 132,000 individuals aged 60 and older have some form of food insecurity based on a recent study by AARP Michigan and Public Sector Consultants entitled Disrupting Disparities: Retirement Saving and Food Security published at the end of 2023. This means that thousands of our mothers, fathers, grandparents, and friends face the harsh reality of not knowing where their next meal will come from. The consequences of this are profound, affecting not just physical health, but also emotional well-being and dignity. Food insecurity happens to all people, however it is more common with people of color because of systemic racism and discrimination in the United States.
Hunger among seniors is a particularly pressing issue because of the unique challenges they face. Many live on fixed incomes that do not keep pace with the rising cost of living. Others struggle with health issues that make it difficult to prepare or access nutritious food. For these individuals, the impact of hunger can be devastating, leading to worsened health conditions, increased hospitalization, and a diminished quality of life.
At Focus: HOPE, we recognize that feeding our seniors is about more than just food—it is about preserving their dignity and independence. This is why we are so proud of the recent reopening of our Westside Food Center, which offers a grocery-store experience tailored specifically for seniors. Here, our recipients can choose the foods that best meet their nutritional needs, empowering them to make decisions that support their health and well-being.
Our work would not be possible without the generous support of our partners and donors. Thanks to recent grants and donations, we have been able to allocate significant resources toward expanding our food distribution efforts. In partnership with Wayne County, we have been able to provide fresh food boxes for the past few years to residents, helping provide relief on their rising grocery bills. To ensure we can continue to reach those in need, Focus: HOPE is working hard to schedule distributions for the remainder of 2024 and 2025.
As we enter Hunger Action Month, we must extend our efforts to more seniors in need. That is why we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our Food for Seniors services to an additional five counties in the Thumb region of Michigan including Huron, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, and Lapeer County. This will allow us to serve more seniors who are struggling with hunger, bringing much-needed relief to new communities.
Additionally, we are proud to have entered a partnership with EPIC Health to provide food boxes to seniors across Metro Detroit. This collaboration is crucial in increasing senior access to nutritious food, specifically for those who face mobility challenges. Through our work together, we can extend our reach and provide seniors with a one-stop resource to maintain healthy lives.
The fight against hunger is not one that we can win alone. It requires a collective effort from the entire community. This Hunger Action Month, I urge you to consider how you can make a difference. Whether it’s by signing up for our food program, helping a senior in your life access our services, or volunteering your time to pack and deliver food, your contribution matters. Even the smallest act of kindness can have a tremendous impact.
Hunger Action Month is an opportunity for all of us to come together and take a stand against food insecurity. Together, we can ensure that every senior has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive. It is time to reaffirm our commitment to fighting hunger in all its forms. Let us recognize that the well-being of our seniors reflects the health of our entire community. And let us act—today, tomorrow, and every day—until hunger is no longer a reality for anyone in our region.
We believe that no one should go hungry, especially our seniors. If you or someone you know is a senior in need, we encourage you to register for Focus: HOPE’s Food for Seniors program. You can learn more at focushope.edu/programs/food-for-seniors or by giving us a call at 313-494-4600.
Thank you for standing with us in this crucial fight.