Seniors are an often-overlooked group when it comes to addressing hunger and food insecurity. In Wake County, seniors make up a growing age group – and will continue to do so – over time. In the past decade alone, according to Meals on Wheels, people aged 55 and older have made up over 45% of the county’s overall population growth. At the same time, Feeding America reports that, the Raleigh metropolitan area had the second highest level of senior food insecurity in the country in 2020.

Senior Hunger VISTA

The Senior Hunger VISTA builds the capacity of programs serving food insecure seniors, increases community engagement in senior hunger programs, and increases awareness and usage of food resources for seniors.

Ongoing Projects

Senior Hunger VISTA Greg Seltzer is currently helping the Garner Senior Center to develop a garden guide and curriculum for the Center’s on-site garden program (“Gardening for Life”) that can be used as a blueprint for other senior-focused gardening programs in the county.

Resources & Media

Resources for Seniors – Serving Wake County
919-713-1556
Offers a diverse list of assistance options for Wake County seniors and adults with disabilities. The resource listings fall into several categories, including food, recreation, healthcare, and
home improvement.

Food and Nutrition Services
Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) provides eligible participants with benefits to purchase food.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides eligible seniors with a monthly package of food to help meet their nutritional needs. Packages are distributed by approved local
agencies across the county.

Meals on Wheels
Delivery of a hot meal (typically lunchtime) and a friendly check-in at a senior’s residence.

Meals on Wheels Wake Friendship Cafes
Nine locations across Wake County offer seniors a hot meal and an opportunity to socialize.

North Carolina Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Provides eligible seniors with benefits to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at area farmers’ markets.

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
919-875-0707
Major regional food provider that distributes to local pantries and food assistance organizations across central and eastern North Carolina. Also offers pop-up markets in and around
Wake County.

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
919-250-0043
Offers a variety of food-related resources, from healthy cooking and nutrition classes and gardening assistance to mobile markets and a “Grocery Bags for Seniors” program that delivers
monthly packages to designated low-income consolidated living communities in and around Wake County.