AARP DC Helps Secure Millions to Fight Food Insecurity, Isolation

En español | We’re proud that our advocacy on behalf of older adults living in Washington, D.C., helped steer $5.2 million in the city’s 2023 budget to helping combat senior food insecurity and easing social isolation among older D.C. residents.

“Throughout 2022, AARP DC and its 83,000 members advocated on behalf of all District residents for policies that help empower people to improve their lives and choose where and how they live as they age,” said Louis Davis Jr., AARP DC state director. “This past year we were able to attain significant victories for District residents.” 

In 2020, more than 9 million Americans 50-plus struggled to pay for and access healthy food, and Washington, D.C., has the highest rate of senior food insecurity in the country. AARP DC has for years lobbied for more funding to tackle the problem, which is worsening as inflation drives up grocery prices.  

The new D.C. budget includes an additional $3.2 million for city programs that help older adults put healthy food on the table, including an AARP-supported pilot program to provide gift cards to 450 eligible older residents, which can be used at any grocery store in the District.

AARP also successfully advocated for $2 million to expand a program that provides iPads and internet access to seniors with lower incomes, to help them stay connected to loved ones or shop online. This year, iPads will be given to those receiving home-delivered meals through the city’s Department of Aging and Community Living, who tend to be more isolated.

Other advocacy wins in Washington, D.C., include expanded family leave for private-sector workers, better access to and protections for life-planning procedures and additional funding to help grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren.

Learn more about AARP DC’s advocacy efforts and what else AARP is doing to improve food security and help older adults overcome social isolation.