How Advocates Help with Food Insecurity

Introduction

Food prices, rent, and medical costs have all gone up. For many people, that means tough choices between paying for medicine, housing, or groceries. If you are skipping meals, stretching food to the end of the month, or relying on cheap food that does not fit your health needs, you are not alone.

This article explains how food insecurity affects your health and how a patient advocate can walk beside you to find practical solutions, including help with groceries, meals, and safe ways to get food at home.

Content

• What food insecurity means and why it matters for your health
• Why you might be struggling to afford enough healthy food
• Key food assistance programs advocates help you explore
• How advocates support you step by step with food insecurity
• How advocates work with Medicare and other benefits
• What to expect when you talk with an advocate about food
• When to reach out for more help
• Frequently asked questions about food insecurity, Medicare, and advocates
• Talk with your care team and get coordinated support
• References

What food insecurity means and why it matters for your health

Food insecurity is more than feeling hungry on a hard day. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a household level condition where access to adequate food is limited or uncertain because of a lack of money or other resources.

In recent years, federal data show that millions of households in the United States report food insecurity at some point during the year. In 2023, about 13.5 percent of households were food insecure, and some had very low food security, meaning eating patterns were disrupted and intake was reduced because there was not enough money for food.

Food insecurity is closely linked with health problems. Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other researchers show that food insecure adults have higher rates of conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and functional limitations.  For older adults, food insecurity is a key social determinant of health and can make chronic disease management, recovery after illness, and independence much harder.

If you are living with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or neuropathy, not having enough nutritious food can:

• Make blood sugar, blood pressure, or fluid balance harder to control
• Increase fatigue and weakness
• Raise the risk of falls or infections
• Make it harder to keep up with medical appointments

The good news is that food insecurity is something advocates can help address. You do not have to figure it out by yourself.

Why you might be struggling to afford enough healthy food

Food insecurity rarely has just one cause. Many people experience several challenges at the same time.

Rising food costs, rent, and medical bills

You might be:

• Spending more on rent or utilities
• Facing higher copays or prescription costs
• Trying to pay off medical debt or other bills
• Seeing your grocery budget shrink even when you buy the same items as before

For people on fixed incomes or disability benefits, even a small rent increase or new prescription can push food out of the budget.

Gaps in SNAP and other benefit programs

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, often called food stamps) is the largest federal nutrition program, but not everyone qualifies or receives enough to cover their actual food costs. SNAP eligibility is based on income, resources, and other rules that vary by state.

You may be:

• Told you are not eligible for SNAP
• Approved but receive a very small monthly benefit
• Unsure how to apply or appeal a denial
• Confused by letters or recertification forms

Because the rules are complex, many people who could benefit from SNAP or other programs never apply.

Barriers related to age, disability, and transportation

Even if you technically can afford groceries, you might still face serious barriers, especially if you are older or living with a disability:

• Trouble standing in line or walking through large stores
• Vision or cognitive changes that make shopping or cooking difficult
• No longer able to drive
• No one nearby who can take you to the store or food pantry
• Fatigue or pain that makes meal preparation hard or unsafe

These are exactly the kinds of issues that advocates are trained to look for and address.

Key food assistance programs advocates help you explore

Advocates cannot change grocery prices, but they can help you connect to programs that ease the burden and bring food closer to your table.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is a federal program that provides monthly benefits on an electronic card that you can use at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. It is designed to increase the food purchasing power of eligible low income households so they can afford a nutritionally adequate diet.

An advocate can help you:

• Check whether your income and household situation might qualify
• Understand how medical expenses or housing costs affect your eligibility
• Start or finish the online or paper application
• Prepare for interviews and provide requested documents
• Ask for a reconsideration or appeal if you are denied

Nutrition programs for older adults and people with disabilities

There are several programs specifically for older adults and some people with disabilities. For example:

• The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides a monthly package of USDA foods to eligible low income adults age 60 or older.
• The Older Americans Act Senior Nutrition Program funds local agencies that offer congregate meals at senior centers and home delivered meals for people who are homebound.

These programs are overseen at the federal level but administered by states and local organizations. Income guidelines and exact services can vary.

An advocate can:

• Explain what senior nutrition programs exist in your state
• Help you contact the Area Agency on Aging or local aging services
• Work with you to complete any required paperwork
• Explore options if you are under 60 but have a disability or serious health condition

Local food banks, pantries, and community meals

Food banks and pantries can provide groceries at no cost. Many communities also offer:

• Mobile food pantries in rural or underserved areas
• Special distributions for older adults or people with disabilities
• Community or church based meal programs

The video script mentioned something many people do not know: some food banks now offer delivery or partner with volunteers who bring groceries to people who are homebound, do not drive, or cannot easily get out of the house.

Your advocate can:

• Find nearby food banks and pantries that match your needs
• Check which ones offer delivery or special hours
• Help arrange transportation to a pantry when needed
• Make sure you know what documents to bring, such as proof of address

Faith based and community organizations

Churches, community centers, and local nonprofits often fill in gaps for people who do not qualify for larger programs or who are waiting for benefits to start. They may provide:

• Emergency food boxes
• Holiday meals
• Short term grocery cards
• Volunteer visits with meals

Advocates regularly reach out to these organizations on your behalf to see what is available in your specific area.

How advocates support you step by step with food insecurity

Advocates do more than hand you a list of websites. They walk through your situation with you, then help you connect to real, practical support.

Listening to your story and screening for needs

A typical conversation might start with you saying something like:

• You are not eligible for food stamps
• You receive a very small SNAP benefit that does not cover much
• Your rent has gone up and you now cut back on groceries
• You are skipping meals to afford medicine

Your advocate will ask gentle, focused questions about:

• How often you run out of food
• Whether you ever go a whole day without eating
• Any health conditions that affect what you can safely eat
• How you currently get groceries and who helps you

They may use brief, evidence based screening tools for food insecurity that are commonly used in healthcare settings, then connect those results to the right resources.

Checking your insurance and benefits, including Medicare

The script highlights an important point: Traditional Medicare, often called Original Medicare or the red, white, and blue card, does not pay for routine meals at home. Medicare Part A covers meals only when you are an inpatient in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, and routine groceries or meal delivery at home are not covered benefits.

However, some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) can offer supplemental benefits that address health related social needs such as food and transportation. CMS has encouraged plans to offer benefits like meal support for certain members through new supplemental benefit authorities and models focused on food and nutrition security.

An advocate can:

• Review your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan documents
• Check whether your current plan offers any meal delivery, grocery allowance, or nutrition support
• Help you contact your plan to confirm details and eligibility
• Explore programs like PACE in areas where they are available

If your plan does not offer meal benefits, your advocate will focus more on community nutrition programs, food banks, and senior services.

Helping you apply for food assistance

Advocates can guide you through applications for:

• SNAP or state level food assistance
• Senior nutrition programs such as CSFP and home delivered meals
• State or county programs that help older adults or people with disabilities access food
• Utility assistance or rental support that may free up more of your income for food

They can also help collect documents, such as proof of identity, income, and medical expenses, and track deadlines so your benefits do not lapse.

Coordinating transportation and delivery

If you are homebound, do not drive, or have no one who can take you to the store or food pantry, transportation is a major barrier.

Advocates can:

• Use transportation support services from your health plan, if available
• Set up rides through community programs, paratransit, or volunteer driver networks
• Work with food banks that deliver groceries to your home
• Coordinate with family, caregivers, or neighbors when that is an option

Understood Care has a dedicated page about how advocates arrange rides for medical and related needs, including pharmacy trips. You can read more about those services on the Transportation page.

Planning for your ability to cook and eat safely

Sometimes the main problem is not just money or getting groceries. If you cannot safely cook, open containers, or follow diet instructions, you still need support.

Advocates can help you:

• Explore in home support, such as a personal care attendant or home care aide who can help with meal preparation
• Look for home delivered meals that are ready to heat and eat
• Coordinate with your clinician or dietitian about special diets
• Consider safety issues like fall risk in the kitchen or difficulty swallowing

If you want to learn more about how advocates support safe daily living at home, you can visit the Home Care page from Understood Care.

How advocates work with Medicare and other benefits

Food insecurity and health coverage are closely connected. Many older adults and people with disabilities find that copays, deductibles, and uncovered services squeeze their food budget.

Advocates can:

• Review your Medicare Advantage or other plan benefits and identify any food, nutrition, or transportation supports that you might not be using
• Help you request care coordination when multiple clinicians are involved
• Work with you to prepare for medical visits where you plan to talk about food insecurity
• Connect you with financial counseling, medication assistance, or lower cost options that may free up funds for groceries

If you want to see how advocates help keep all parts of your care aligned, you can explore Understood Care’s Care Coordination and Appointments pages.

What to expect when you talk with an advocate about food

Common questions advocates may ask

To understand how to help, an advocate might ask:

• How many days per month you worry about food running out
• Whether you have had to skip meals or eat less because of cost
• Whether you can safely stand at the stove, lift pots, or carry groceries
• Which chronic conditions you have and what your clinician has recommended
• What insurance you have and whether anyone else helps you at home

These questions are not to judge you. They help your advocate match you with the most useful resources as quickly as possible.

How advocates coordinate with your clinicians and care team

With your permission, advocates can:

• Share information with your primary care clinician or specialists about your food situation
• Ask whether there are medical restrictions or specific nutrition needs
• Request referrals to dietitians or care managers when appropriate
• Help you prepare questions for your next visit so you feel comfortable bringing up food concerns

Healthcare systems are increasingly encouraged to screen for food insecurity and connect patients to community resources.  Advocates help make sure that connection actually happens.

Respect, privacy, and choice

Food insecurity can feel deeply personal. Advocates are trained to:

• Treat your information as private and share it only with your consent
• Respect your cultural, religious, and personal food preferences
• Offer options rather than pressure
• Work at a pace that feels manageable for you

You stay in control of which programs you want to pursue.

When to reach out for more help

You deserve help if any of the following are true:

• You skip meals, water down food, or rely on snacks instead of full meals
• You avoid filling prescriptions or paying bills because you need money for food
• You are losing weight without trying or feel weaker than usual
• You have trouble getting to the store or pantry because you cannot drive or walk far
• You feel overwhelmed or embarrassed about asking for help with groceries or meals

Support can come from more than one place. Advocates can connect you to food assistance and also to:

• Social Support programs that reduce isolation
• Appointments support so you can talk with your clinicians about food in a clear, structured way
• Care Coordination to keep your whole team informed
• Home Care if you need help preparing meals safely at home

You do not need to wait until things are severe. Reaching out early can prevent health complications and reduce stress.

Talk with your care team and get coordinated support

Food insecurity is not a personal failure. It is a common and serious health related need that deserves the same attention as medications, lab tests, or imaging.

You can:

• Tell your primary care clinician or specialist that you are having trouble affording or accessing food
• Ask whether your clinic screens for food insecurity and can refer you to community resources
• Work with an advocate to prepare for these conversations, keep notes, and share updates across your clinicians

Advocates can:

• Help you bring a clear picture of your food situation to each visit
• Coordinate with your clinicians so they understand your limitations and can adjust treatment plans when needed
• Stay in touch with you as benefits start, recertifications come up, or your situation changes

If you want help organizing appointments, sharing updates, and connecting food support with the rest of your care, you can explore Understood Care’s pages on Care Coordination, Appointments, Transportation, Home Care, and Social Support.

This article is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have sudden weakness, chest pain, trouble breathing, or other urgent symptoms, call emergency services right away.

Frequently asked questions about food insecurity, Medicare, and advocates

• What is food insecurity, and how do I know if I am affected?
  Food insecurity means your household does not always have enough money or resources to buy the food you need for an active, healthy life. If you often worry about running out of food, skip meals, or eat less than you feel you should because of cost, you may be experiencing food insecurity.
• How does food insecurity affect my health and chronic conditions?
  Food insecurity is linked with higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and functional limitations. It can make it harder to follow meal plans, recover from illness, or manage medications safely, especially for older adults.
• Can Medicare or Medicare Advantage help pay for food or meal delivery?
  Original Medicare does not cover routine groceries or meal delivery at home. Some Medicare Advantage plans and certain models such as the Value Based Insurance Design model allow plans to offer supplemental benefits like food or meal support for people with specific health related needs. What is covered depends on your individual plan.
• What food assistance programs can advocates help me apply for?
  Advocates commonly help with SNAP, senior nutrition programs such as congregate and home delivered meals, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and local food banks or pantries. They may also connect you with faith based and community programs that provide groceries or meals.
• Can an advocate help if I already applied for SNAP and was denied?
  Yes. Advocates can review your denial letter, help you understand the reason, gather additional paperwork, and support you through an appeal or a new application if your situation has changed.
• What if I cannot drive or leave my home to get food?
  Advocates look specifically for transportation and delivery options. They may help you use transportation benefits from your health plan, set up community rides, or connect with food banks and senior programs that deliver groceries or meals to your home.
• What can advocates do if I cannot safely cook or prepare meals?
  Advocates can explore in home support, such as a personal care attendant or home care services that include meal preparation, and help you access home delivered meal programs that meet your medical and safety needs.
• Do I have to share my financial information with an advocate to get help?
  Advocates will only ask for financial details that are needed to check eligibility for programs. You choose what to share. Any information you provide is used to connect you with resources and is treated with respect and privacy.
• Can caregivers or family members work with advocates about food insecurity?
  Yes. Caregivers can partner with advocates to share information, coordinate care, and make sure both the patient and the caregiver have support, as long as the patient gives permission.
• How do I get started with a patient advocate for food and nutrition support?
  If you are a Medicare or Medicare Advantage member, you may qualify for advocacy services with little or no cost. You can contact Understood Care to learn whether you are covered and to be matched with an advocate who understands both food assistance and your broader healthcare needs.

References

• USDA Economic Research Service. Food security in the United States: definitions of food security.
  https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/definitions-of-food-security Economic Research Service
• USDA Economic Research Service. Food security in the United States: key statistics and graphics; Household Food Security in the United States in 2023.
  https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/key-statistics-graphics
  https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details?pubid=109895 Economic Research Service+1
• CDC National Center for Health Statistics. Food insecurity and health outcomes, Data Brief.
  https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db465.htm CDC
• Healthy People 2030, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Food insecurity: literature summary.
  https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/food-insecurity Health.gov
• Quine DB et al. Food insecurity is associated with multiple chronic conditions in older adults.
  Example journal access: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335520301704 ScienceDirect
• Afulani PA et al. Food insecurity: a key social determinant of health for older adults. CDC.
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/83039/cdc_83039_DS1.pdf CDC Stacks
• Older adults with chronic disease and food insecurity in the United States. Journal of Gerontological Nursing.
  https://europepmc.org/article/MED/34846260 Europe PMC
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP eligibility.
  https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility USDA Food and Nutrition Service+1
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
  https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/commodity-supplemental-food-program USDA Food and Nutrition Service
• Nutrition.gov. Nutrition programs for seniors.
  https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/food-security-and-access/food-assistance-programs/nutrition-programs-seniors Nutrition
• Administration for Community Living. Nutrition Services and Home Delivered Meals.
  https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services
  https://acl.gov/senior-nutrition/home-delivered-meals ACL Administration for Community Living+1
• CDC. Supporting food and nutrition security through healthcare. Healthy food environments.
  https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/php/healthy-food-environments/index.html CDC
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Advantage Value Based Insurance Design Model Extension Fact Sheet.
  https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/vbid-extension-fs Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• U.S. Government Accountability Office. Medicare Advantage: Plans Generally Offered Some Supplemental Benefits, but CMS Has Limited Data on Utilization.
  https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105527 Government Accountability Office+1
• Medicare.gov. What is not covered by Original Medicare.
  https://www.medicare.gov/providers-services/original-medicare/not-covered Medicare
• USDA Economic Research Service. Food security in the United States.
  https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us Economic Research Service+1
• Understood Care. Care Coordination.
  https://understoodcare.com/care-types/care-coordination understoodcare.com
• Understood Care. Appointments.
  https://understoodcare.com/care-types/appointments understoodcare.com
• Understood Care. Transportation.
  https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help understoodcare.com
• Understood Care. Home Care.
  https://understoodcare.com/care-types/home-care understoodcare.com
• Understood Care. Social Support.
  https://understoodcare.com/care-types/social-support understoodcare.com

This content is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness, or new confusion, call emergency services right away.