Statement from our CEO, Dawn Quattlebaum, on Seabury Resources for Aging’s Response to the 2024 Capital Area Food Bank Hunger Report

**Statement from CEO Dawn Quattlebaum on Seabury Resources for Aging’s Response to the 2024 Capital Area Food Bank Hunger Report**

As we reflect on the insights presented in the 2024 Hunger Report by the Capital Area Food Bank, Seabury Resources for Aging reaffirms our long-term and consistent commitment to addressing food insecurity among older DC residents. More than 1 in 10 of DC's seniors are food insecure; 1 in 3 are experiencing hunger. This issue is increasingly a critical concern, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every senior in our community has access to the nutritious food they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Seabury's various programs have successfully tackled food insecurity, providing vital support to over 3,000 older adults a year through initiatives such as our pandemic meal delivery services, community dining opportunities, and nutrition education workshops. These programs not only deliver food but also foster a sense of belonging and community among seniors, which is essential for their overall well-being and an antidote to the social isolation so prevalent in our communities.

Our success in these endeavors is bolstered by strong partnerships and collaborations with local food banks, healthcare organizations, and community groups. These alliances enhance our capacity to reach more individuals and ensure that our services are comprehensive and effective. Together, we are working to build a robust support system that addresses the multifaceted nature of food insecurity.

We also recognize that strong advocacy for maintaining sufficient funding is essential to achieving our goals. Adequate resources are necessary to sustain and expand our programs, allowing us to meet the growing needs of older Americans facing food insecurity. We urge stakeholders to prioritize funding for these critical initiatives, as they are vital to the health of our community.

In light of the rising cost of food, and rising costs of healthcare, rent, and general living, Seabury is very concerned about the effect that the end of "Give SNAP a Raise" will have September 30th, 2024. That more than 11,700 food insecure seniors in our city will abruptly have less money to spend directly on food is a problem that needs the urgent attention of our elected leaders.

Food security is not just about access to meals; it directly contributes to improved physical and mental health outcomes. Research shows that when older adults have reliable access to nutritious food, they experience lower rates of chronic diseases, enhanced mental well-being, and a higher quality of life. This is why ensuring food security continues to be one of our major tenets at Seabury Resources for Aging.

In conclusion, we stand firm in our commitment to addressing food insecurity among older Americans. Our partnership with the District on 11 community dining sites and the charitable support of our donor community is one solution - but additional action by our leaders is needed to increase access to food for our most vulnerable and eldest residents. Seabury will continue to advocate for the necessary resources and support to create a healthier, more equitable community for all.

If you would like to know more about Seabury Resources and the services we provide please visit us at seaburyresources.org.

Sincerely,

Dawn M. Quattlebaum

CEO, Seabury Resources for Aging

For more information on our dining sites and activities, visit our website at https://www.seaburyresources.org/agingservices. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please reach out. Together, we can create a supportive environment for our senior community.

Thank you to DACL for their invaluable support in making these community dining sites a reality. Let’s continue to work together to nourish both body and spirit.