Tackling Food Insecurity Among Older Adults: The Power of ARC Mini Grants
A Lifeline for Seniors
This spring, the Austell Senior Center in West Cobb County opened its doors to about 100 older adults at risk of food insecurity. What they found wasn’t just a generous supply of food, including fresh produce, eggs, dairy, and frozen items; it was also a profound expression of care and support.
Thanks to a $2,500 mini-grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), matched by Cobb County, the Senior Center’s “Market Day” provided not just groceries but also hope and community connection.
Why Mini-Grants Matter
“Older adults on fixed incomes often struggle to make ends meet. Efforts like the Austell Senior Center Market Day serve as a lifeline,” said Becky A. Kurtz, Senior Managing Director of ARC’s Aging & Independence Services and Director of the Area Agency on Aging. These grants are an integral part of ARC’s Senior Hunger Coalition, which aims to ensure that seniors access nutritious food necessary for living independently and with dignity.
Community Impact: The Grant Recipients
These mini-grants are making waves across metro Atlanta. Here’s a closer look at some of the other organizations benefitting from this initiative:
Feeding GA Families: Tackling transportation barriers by delivering groceries and meals using volunteer drivers and services like Instacart and Uber.
Jewish Family and Career Services of Atlanta: Enhancing access to specialized dietary foods and home deliveries through its Project Dash partnership.
Project GRANDD: Providing fresh groceries to low-income seniors raising grandchildren, thereby addressing heightened food insecurity in these family units.
Peachtree Christian Health: Helping to offset rising food costs to maintain healthy lunch programs for seniors with disabilities.
- South Fulton Senior Services: Delivering vital food assistance to older adults facing financial difficulties, particularly in areas south of Atlanta with lower life expectancy.
The Growing Crisis of Food Insecurity
As we delve into these efforts, it’s essential to note that nearly 1 in 12 Georgians over age 60 face food insecurity. For many, this leads to tough choices between food, medication, and housing.
Comprehensive Support in Cobb County
Cobb County Senior Services is addressing this urgent issue with a multi-faceted approach that includes home-delivered meals, mobile markets, and congregate lunches. In 2024 alone, they delivered over 62,000 meals. Beyond food, they assist with transportation, in-home care, and operate an innovative Assistive Technology Lab designed to help seniors live independently.
“The Atlanta Regional Commission’s support of our Senior Services meal delivery programs is both appreciated and essential,” said Lisa Cupid, Chair of the Cobb County Commission. “This grant helps us continue expanding programs that serve our most vulnerable populations.”
Reaching Underserved Communities
In Cobb County, the ARC grant and local match have enabled services to flourish in areas like Austell and Mableton, where life expectancy rates are the lowest. According to Angelica Swafford, nutrition manager at Cobb Senior Services, ARC’s flexibility allowed them to help seniors who wouldn’t typically qualify for traditional services.
“Concerns arose when our previous Mobile Market sponsor didn’t renew the grant for 2025,” Swafford explained. “ARC’s mini-grant provided a vital avenue to keep delivering groceries to older adults in our most underserved communities.”
Find Support When You Need It
If you or someone you know is seeking assistance related to aging, ARC’s Empowerline is a valuable resource connecting older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities to transportation, housing, and wellness services.
In conclusion, the ARC mini-grants are more than just financial assistance; they are lifelines supporting older adults during challenging times, showcasing the community’s commitment to battling food insecurity. By investing in our seniors, we invest in a healthier future and a stronger community.
