Honoring Older Americans: Fighting Hunger with Heart in Bastrop County

Every May, we celebrate Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions that older adults make to our families, communities, and society. It’s also a powerful moment to reflect on the unique challenges many seniors face—especially the heartbreaking dilemma between paying for essentials and putting food on the table.

The Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry proudly serves its most vulnerable neighbors. With compassion and community at its core, BCEFP is tackling senior hunger head-on through its dedicated “Brown Bag” program.

The “Brown Bag” Program: More Than a Meal

Designed specifically for low-income seniors, the Brown Bag program ensures that our older neighbors receive regular access to nutritious food and hygiene supplies. Each month, program members receive a full bag of groceries on the third Thursday, and can stop by for weekly supplemental items every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.—thanks to donations and support from area retailers.

This lifeline of support includes an assortment of fresh breads, baked goods, fruits, vegetables, and meat—helping seniors stretch their fixed incomes and maintain their health and dignity.

Why Senior Hunger Is an Urgent Issue

Hunger among older adults is a growing crisis:

  • Nearly 7 million seniors in the U.S. were food insecure in 2022, according to the USDA.
  • Feeding America estimates that over 9 million seniors could face hunger by 2050 if we don’t act.
  • Seniors of color—especially Black, Latino, and Native American seniors are disproportionately affected due to systemic inequities.
  • Seniors who care for grandchildren are at greater risk of food insecurity as they struggle to feed growing families on limited incomes.

The Hidden Barriers to Food Access

So why are seniors more vulnerable to hunger? The reasons are complex and interwoven:

  • Health challenges make it hard to shop, cook, or eat balanced meals.
  • Lack of transportation prevents trips to grocery stores or food pantries.
  • A fixed income must cover food, housing, medical bills, and more—often forcing painful trade-offs.
  • Social isolation can leave seniors without the help they need to meet basic needs.

A Community That Cares

In a world that often overlooks the needs of older adults, the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry stands as a beacon of hope and humanity. By offering practical help through the Brown Bag program, they’re showing what it means to truly honor our older Americans—not just in May, but all year long.

As we celebrate Older Americans Month, let’s commit to ensuring that every senior in Bastrop County—and beyond—can age with security, dignity, and full plates.

If you’d like to support the Brown Bag program or volunteer, visit https://www.bastropfoodpantry.org/volunteer/or stop by the Food Pantry to learn more. Together, we can make a difference.