…the number of food insecure seniors above the age of 60 has more than doubled to 4.8 million from 2001 to 2011. The findings show the unexpected level of growth was most pronounced in baby boomers (i.e. the “young old” age 60-69).
These startling statistics came to us last week in a newly published report compiled by Feeding America and NFESH-the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger.
We were introduced to NFESH about six months ago. It is a new organization and the creation of Enid Borden, former head of the popular Meals on Wheels program. It was Enid’s experiences there as well as in her prior professional life that peaked her interest in and passion for eliminating senior hunger in our country. NFESH’s focus is on research, education and community partnership directed towards that goal.
While we are huge fans of the goal to end senior hunger what specifically attracted us to her efforts was a promise she made to her father Jack Borden, in one of her last conversations with him before he died. Knowing of Enid’s passionate work on behalf of hungry elders, Jack reminded her “don’t forget about the Jews.” From that last wish grew the Jack and Eleanor Borden Kosher Meal Fund, a separate effort housed within NFESH.
The Jack and Eleanor Borden Kosher Meal Fund provides funding to non-profit, community-based organizations to establish or expand kosher meal services for seniors — a perfect place for the Good People Fund to invest some of its tzedakah dollars so…we did just that and hope to do more in the future!
