John R. Corlett, President and Executive Director
February, 2018
Later this year the U.S. Congress will take up the reauthorization of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) via the Farm Bill. While the role of SNAP in helping needy families, children and the disabled is fairly well understood, SNAP is also critically important for reducing senior hunger and improving senior health. In Cuyahoga County, SNAP plays an increasingly large role in addressing the problem of senior hunger. The Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services recently released data showing Cuyahoga County residents age 60 and older have increased their usage of the SNAP program by 20% over the past 5 years; growing two times faster than the share of the 60+ population in the county. Surprisingly, some of the largest percentage increases are in suburban communities like Rocky River, Euclid and Broadview Heights.