$2 million initiative builds on successful efforts to increase enrollment in SNAP, with a focus on enrolling 20,000 older adults

Contact:
Simona Combi
Public Relations Manager
571-527-3982
simona.combi@ncoa.org

July 18, 2024, Arlington, VA—The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person’s right to age well, has been granted over $2 million from Walmart Foundation to help enroll 20,000 eligible older adults into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The initiative is a continuation of 14 years of funding from the Walmart Foundation focused on combatting food insecurity.

 Over the next two years, NCOA will broaden its existing network of community-based organizations that assist older adults with SNAP enrollment, particularly those serving people of color and rural populations, and conduct widespread digital outreach to make enrollment easier and more accessible to older adults.

This announcement comes as the United States continues to see high rates of food insecurity post-pandemic, especially among millions of older adults – and as many people who are eligible for SNAP benefits do not apply, leaving benefits on the table. The grant will provide funds and technical assistance to community-based organizations in states with low SNAP enrollment rates among older adults.

“Too many older Americans who are eligible for SNAP never apply for the benefit because they don’t know where to start, or they think the program is not for them,” said Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of NCOA.

“With Walmart Foundation’s support, we will continue to build upon our years of success connecting older adults to SNAP, and we will sharpen our focus on populations where the need is greatest.”

NCOA also will continue to educate older adults through digital outreach, providing easy-to-understand information and access to NCOA’s free BenefitsCheckUp.org screening tool and Benefits Hotline where eligible older adults can learn more, see if they may be eligible, and even talk with trained counselors who can help them apply.

“No older adult should have to choose between paying for food or other daily expenses,” said Eileen Hyde, Senior Director, Community Resilience at the Walmart Foundation. “NCOA’s innovative work with trusted community-based organizations helps ensure that all older adults have access to nutritious food, so they can stay healthy and independent.”

 

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.