The Hidden Hunger: Facing Food Insecurity in Later Life For many older adults in Pima County, hunger doesn’t look like what you might expect. • It’s the neighbor who quietly skips meals to make a prescription last. • The grandmother who waters down soup to stretch it for another day. • The veteran who doesn’t ask for help—because he doesn’t want to be a burden. This is the reality of food insecurity among older adults in our community.
“The meals helped me recover from surgery and regain strength. For a long time, I didn’t feel like myself. But I’m starting to now.” — Ari, age 78
In 2022, more than 14% of Pima County residents were food insecure—higher than both the state and national averages. More than 31,000 older adults in our community are food insecure—roughly the population of Sahuarita. About 1 in 3 older adults in Pima County live near or below the poverty line. What’s Behind the Numbers Rising food prices and fixed incomes don’t mix. About 1 in 3 older adults in Pima County live near or below the poverty line. For many, it becomes a painful choice:
• Groceries or medicine? • Rent or fresh vegetables? • Bus fare or breakfast?
When nutritious food becomes a luxury, it puts older adults at risk for serious health problems—like diabetes, heart disease, and depression. How PCOA Makes a Difference At Pima Council on Aging, we believe no one should go hungry.
THE STERLING
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SPECIAL EDITION - APRIL 2025
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