Food insecurity is an increasingly prominent problem among seniors living in Northern California. According to the 2019 "Census Snapshot" survey, nearly one in four seniors in the region is food-insecure, meaning that they lack reliable access to adequate nutrition. This is an alarming statistic, and it's one that we should take seriously.

The causes of food insecurity among seniors in Northern California are complex and varied. In some cases, it is due to a lack of income or access to resources. Others may live in remote areas where there is limited access to nutritious foods. Still others may have a disability or health condition that makes it difficult to purchase, prepare, or eat healthy foods. In all cases, however, the result is the same - seniors in Northern California are unable to access enough healthy foods to meet their nutritional needs.

The good news is that there are steps we can take to address this issue. The first is to increase access to nutritious foods. This can be done by:

• Expanding access to food pantries and meal programs
• Offering more financial assistance to those in need
• Increasing seniors' access to fresh produce, such as through community-supported agriculture programs

We should also strive to provide education and resources that enable seniors to make healthy food choices. Programs such as Nutrition Education for Seniors (NES) can provide seniors with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their diets. Finally, we should look for ways to promote physical activity among seniors, as this can help to improve overall health and wellbeing.

Tackling food insecurity among seniors in Northern California is a critical issue. By increasing access to nutritious foods, providing educational resources, and promoting physical activity, we can help to ensure that all seniors in the region have the nutrition they need to stay healthy and thrive.