The Difference Between Low Food Security and Very Low Food Security

Food Insecurity in seniors is a priority for DuPage Senior Citizens Council. 1 in 6 seniors face the threat of going hungry and are unsure of where their next meal is coming from. To understand the extreme severity of this situation you must understand what food insecurity is.

Food insecurity is when there is a limited or uncertain availability of foods for a person.

Majority of our seniors are food insecure and DuPage Senior Citizens Council’s Community Dining andHome Delivered Meal Service is vital to their food security. We serve thousands of seniors who are in need of a warm nutritious meal. In 2006 the USDA broke down food insecurity into two groups, Low Food Security and Very Low Food Security.

Low Food Security

Low Food Security is when there is a reduction in the amount of food a senior is consuming. Also the quality of the food is lacking basic nutritional value. An example their diet is higher in fat or sugar and has a reduction of healthy foods such as fresh meats, produce and whole grains.

Very Low Security

Very Low Security is when there is a lack of nutrition all together, the senior is not receiving any nutritious food and is in a dire situation. The senior will be having sporadic meals and will have disrupted eating patterns. A senior will be receiving enough nutrition to barely survive.

Worried About Someone?

If you suspect that a senior is suffering from food insecurity and needs help please call us, your local senior services provider or 911. For seniors who live in DuPage or Kane County and are suffering from hunger please call 630-620-0804.

For more information about getting started with Meals On Wheels / Home Delivered Meals and how it works, please click below.

Learn More About Meals On Wheels