2020 pandemic emergency food assistance - aarp foundation

The coronavirus pandemic put many older adults in crisis because of disruptions in the normal food supply chain. Many organizations that normally support food-insecure individuals and

families were overwhelmed by demand or unable to support recipients because of pandemic restrictions. AARP Foundation aimed to help to fill that gap. In April 2020, we launched the AARP

Foundation Emergency Food Box program to provide immediate food assistance to older adults identified as being in critical need due to the pandemic. THE PROGRAM DELIVERED THE EQUIVALENT OF

MORE THAN 3.4 MILLION MEALS TO OLDER ADULTS IN 48 STATES, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND PUERTO RICO. Each box, provided and delivered free of charge, contained essential non-perishable food

items that could be made into about two weeks’ worth of nutritious meals. Recipients included people we were already serving in AARP Foundation programs, as well as those identified by our

affordable senior housing partners and other community organizations as being in dire need. One recipient told us, “_As a family we are very grateful, and I was able to share with another

family in great need. Thank you so much._”  Everyone at AARP Foundation echoes that gratitude for the support of our partners who made this effort possible.