Progress is reported in reducing what’s called “food insecurity” among Nevada County seniors. California is a leading state in which seniors have become among the “hidden poor”. The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research says nearly 1 in 5, or about 772, 000, can’t afford basic needs, such as food, housing, transportation and health care. And many do not qualify for government assistance programs. There are over 28,000 seniors in Nevada County. Meanwhile, over the last several years, United Way of Nevada County Executive Director Megan Timpany says they’ve been supporting two partner agencies with two food programs. One is through Gold Country Community Services’ Meals on Wheels Program, providing frozen food…

click to listen to Megan Timpany

Holidays are also covered. And starting this winter, Timpany says United Way will provide funding for Sierra Senior Services, which serves Truckee, to deliver emergency food bags to over 280 seniors. She says they’re gathering data to quantify overall progress in reaching the people most in need…

click to listen to Megan Timpany

United Way says many of the seniors served by Meals on Wheels don’t always have enough money to buy food..eat fewer than 2 meals a day…and eat very few fruits and vegetables.