Senior citizens know well that a cost of living adjustment to Social Security won’t go far – especially given increases in the cost of federal health care programs.

That’s one reason why the under-the-radar change to the federal poverty level for the Community Supplemental Food Program from 130% to 150%, making more residents eligible for aid. Hunger-Free Pennsylvania administers the food program in Pennsylvania as the Senior Food Box Program.

Sometimes it can feel like we’re fighting a losing battle with food insecurity. Second Harvest officials told the Times Observer earlier this year that the organization is seeing a 25.3% increase in the level of need in early 2024 than it did in 2023.

Karen Seggi, the organization’s CEO, said the 33 percent increase across its service area is the “greatest increase in need for food assistance” that’s been seen in the last four years.

Under the new income level, the number of Pennsylvania seniors who are eligible for the Pennsylvania Senior Food Box Program will increase from 343,485 individuals at 130 percent to 645,685 at 150 percent. Only about 35,000 are enrolled to receive it this year.

Federal officials have made a move that can help more senior citizens put food on the table.

It’s hard sometimes to accept help when it’s being offered. But if you’re a senior citizen who qualifies for help and could use the Senior Food Box Program, reach out to Cindy Plymer at the Second Harvest Food Bank at 814-459-3663, ext. 111 or email SeniorFoodBox@nwpafoodbank.org.