Free tote bag handed out at Wednesday’s Dust Devils game to support this important cause

A group of nonprofits will raise awareness of senior hunger and isolation at Wednesday night’s Tri-City Dust Devils baseball game.

Mid Columbia Meals on Wheels is partnering with Providence Medicare Advantage Plans and Senior Life Resources Northwest to host “Senior Night” on June 19 during High A baseball action.

The first 250 attendees to the ballpark will receive a free reusable tote bag, courtesy of Meals on Wheels, and the organizations will raise awareness about food insecurity and offer information on resources.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. against the Vancouver Canadians, and ticket prices will be reduced for seniors.

Dave Sanford, board president of Senior Life Resources Northwest, will throw out the game’s first pitch.

“Dust Devils ‘Senior Night’ honors seniors in the community, celebrates their achievements and recognizes the importance of supporting their health with access to nutritious meals, high-quality health care and community support,” a statement from event reads.

Food and resource insecurity among senior citizens is on the rise in the U.S. Between 2021 and 2022, the number of elderly Americans, age 50 and older, who reported food insecurities rose from 8% to 10%, reversing a decade-long decline, according to a recent AARP report.

More than five million seniors, age 60 and older, reported being food insecure in 2021, according to Feeding America. That’s about 1 in 14 seniors.

Reasons for pervasive food instability among older Americans include rising food prices and inflation, physical or mobility challenges, social isolation and a lack of reliable transportation to food markets.