Why we started

Early on, we recognized that economics plays a part in the foods people can afford. When money is tight, often quantity is chosen over quality when it comes to what people put in their bodies.

We also recognized that the U.S. population is rapidly aging. This, combined with rising food costs, increases the risk of food insecurity among seniors. Food insecurity has been linked to lower nutrition and poorer overall health.

On a personal level, we love snacks. Who doesn't? When done right, snacking can be incredibly healthy. Snacks help balance blood glucose levels, provide extra nutrients, and satisfy hunger cravings. Filling our bodies with good nutrition puts us in a good mood (it's science). However, too often people snack on sugary, salty, simple carbohydrates that are artificial-filled, yet empty calories.

We strongly believe that everyone should have access to nutritious snacks. We also saw a greater need for them among the economically disadvantaged senior population. Seniors cannot always prepare meals with fresh ingredients or go grocery shopping for healthy food.

We want to make sure others can age healthily and happily, and see snacks as a way to help them do so.

Sharing is Caring

That's why we share information on additional community resources in each Senior Snack Pack.

For a list of senior-focused resources in Northern Virginia, check out our resources page here.

To learn more about senior nutrition, we recommend checking out the ACL Nutrition and Aging Resource Center.

To learn more about food insecurity among seniors in the U.S, we recommend the following articles:

Feeding America: Hunger After Fifty

Food Research & Action Center:

Hunger Is a Health Issue for Older Adults

Meals on Wheels America: Senior Hunger Facts