Alliance Urges Lawmakers to Reject Cuts to Federal Nutrition Programs 

Alliance for Aging Research Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations Scott Frey released the following statement today about proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program:

The Alliance for Aging Research strongly opposes any cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is our nation’s most effective tool to fight hunger, reaching over 40 million children, parents, older adults, people with disabilities, workers, and other  households with low incomes each month, or about 1 in 8 Americans. It is an especially valuable resource for many who suffer from Alzheimer’s and related neurodegenerative diseases, ensuring that they can access healthy food and do not go hungry.  

The Alliance strives for a culture that embraces healthy aging as a greater good and values science and investments to advance dignity, independence, and equity. We believe that proper nutrition is the backbone of a healthy lifestyle and a catalyst to healthy aging. 

Over 7 million older Americans are food insecure. Food insecurity is a major risk factor for older adults with chronic illness, though severe malnutrition at any age can have long-term health consequences. Research confirms that malnourishment among older adults contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, including diminished immune responses leading to premature physical and cognitive decline and inability to remain independent.  

Many older Americans are living in poverty (10%) or near poverty (22%) and are unlikely to be able to afford basic necessities without adequate federal investment in supports and services. SNAP benefits can also be coordinated with meal delivery services like Meals on Wheels, which provide not only nutritious meals but also crucial social interaction, mitigating the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness that are often associated with cognitive decline. 

SNAP is our nation’s most significant anti-hunger program. We reject proposals that would raise onerous work requirements to age 65 or shift costs to states already threatened with similar proposals for Medicaid. Navigating the eligibility requirements for SNAP already poses major barriers to access. The most recent analysis shows that about 9 million older adults are eligible but not enrolled. Raising the top age limit of work requirements to 65 could put another 1.4 million Americans at risk of losing benefits.   

In our nation — which ranks among the world’s top producers of nutritious food —there is no excuse for hunger. A healthy diet is essential medicine for all.

We stand ready to work with Congress and the Administration to develop policies that ensure all our most vulnerable citizens have access to basic nutrition at an affordable price.