The event was hosted by MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger and SAGE, bringing together nearly 50 key stakeholders to share insights, exchange ideas and strategies, and discuss policy solutions to tackle this issue.
LGBTQ+ seniors are 60% more likely to experience food insecurity than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, and addressing the unique challenges facing LGBTQ+ older Americans is critical as this population grows. Twenty-seven percent of all LGBTQ+ adults relied on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and experienced food insecurity in 2016. LGBTQ+ elders are also less likely to seek out meal programs and other charitable food programs out of fear of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and harassment. Additionally, there are efforts underway to remove and/or not enforce anti-discrimination policies on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression for USDA programs like SNAP, the senior-only Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
“There is widespread understanding that LGBTQ+ seniors are facing challenges in healthcare and housing, but the third “H” of basic needs – hunger – has been overlooked for far too long,” said Abby J. Leibman, President & CEO of MAZON. “As an ally organization in partnership with those in the LGBTQ+ community, MAZON is proud to convene leaders in this space so we can best advocate on behalf of this particularly vulnerable – but highly resilient – population.”
“While we know LGBTQ+ elders face higher rates of social isolation, poverty, and a lack of access to culturally competent services and supports, not enough attention has been paid to the hunger LGBTQ+ older people disproportionately face on a daily basis,” said SAGE CEO Michael Adams. “Nobody should go hungry in their later years. Our LGBTQ+ community owes a debt to our elder pioneers to ensure that they are food secure and, ultimately, can age well. SAGE is proud to partner with MAZON on this much needed convening that we hope will draw more attention to this important issue.”
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SAGE is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ+ older people and their caregivers. SAGE also advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ elders, provides education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBTQ+ community organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, and cultural competency training through SAGECare. With staff located across the country, SAGE also coordinates SAGENet, a growing network of affiliates in the United States.
Inspired by Jewish values and ideals, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is a national advocacy organization working to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel. Learn more at mazon.org.
