The soaring gasoline prices have impacted us all whether we drive or not. For anyone who has been to the grocery store lately you know the cost of food has risen to record amounts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the cost of a gallon of milk has gone up 26% and the cost of a dozen eggs has gone up 40% over the past year. Food prices are rising about 5% each month mainly due to the cost of transporting food. For seniors on fixed incomes their monthly food bill has become one of their largest expenses. When money is tight seniors are forced to make touch choices between proper nutrition, their medicines and housing.

However, many seniors are eligible to receive Food Stamps, which with rising food costs can make all the difference in the lives of seniors. Many seniors have chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes that are effected by what they eat. Food Stamps can add up, the average senior in Vermont receives $115 each month in food stamps. The Food Stamp program has seen drastic changes in the last few years. According to Jennifer Gardecki, a CVAA Case Manager, she finds that many seniors are worried that people will know they are receiving Food Stamps. However,
many seniors have money from Food Stamps directly deposited into their checking account each month so no one knows that they are receiving food stamps.

According to Gardecki “with the rising cost of food the Food Stamp program is very important. Many people are finding that they need to cut back on their food bills.” Also, the Food Stamp program is based on eligibility, so according to Gardecki “no one who needs the help and qualifies will go without.” The fear that many seniors have that they are taking food out of someone else’s mouth is misguided because there is enough assistance to go around to everyone who is qualified.

Food Stamps actually help the local economy because they support local businesses and farmers. The Food Stamp Program in Vermont generated $106 million of economic activity according to the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger. Over 48,000 Vermonters use food stamps each month and 22% of households using Food Stamps are seniors.

Many seniors who qualify for Food Stamps have not applied. For more information about eligibility go to vermontfoodhelp.com or call 1-800-642-5119. Good nutrition is not a privilege.

Sarah Lemnah writes on senior issues for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. This article originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press.