UNDERSTANDING FOOD INSECURITY IN THE ELDERLY - A CONCEPTUAL-FRAMEWORK

In order to determine the potential effects of changes in welfare, hea lth, and nutrition programs on food insecurity in the elderly, it is i mportant to have a comprehensive understanding of the factors influenc ing food insecurity in this population group. Using a naturalistic par adigm and methods, a conceptual framework of factors that influence fo od insecurity status was developed based on in-depth interviews with 4 1 low-income rural white and urban black elderly individuals in 35 hou seholds in upstate New York. The conceptual framework depicts how seve ral sets of factors, particularly health, food program participation, and life experiences, relate to food insecurity in the elderly. The us e of several food assistance programs by low-income elderly, their vie ws on such programs, and a unique ''grocery bag'' program for homeboun d elderly who can cook for themselves also are discussed.