Advocates Take Action in Olympia

On February 20, 2025, Vice Chair Cynthia Snyder and Advocacy Committee Chair Diana Thompson of the Seattle King County Aging and Disability Advisory Council, alongside representatives from Sound Generations, traveled to Olympia to speak directly with state lawmakers about critical issues impacting Washington’s seniors. Their mission: to highlight the growing crisis of senior poverty and food insecurity and to advocate for key legislation that would improve housing stability, long-term care, and economic security for older adults. 

The Growing Crisis of Senior Poverty and Hunger 

With Washington’s aging population rapidly increasing, more seniors than ever are struggling to afford basic necessities. Over the past few years, senior poverty rates have surged, leaving nearly one in ten older adults in financial hardship. Food insecurity has also grown, affecting 9.3% of households with someone over age 65. Many seniors rely on SNAP benefits as low as $23 per month, making it difficult to maintain a nutritious diet. Additionally, Meals on Wheels services are stretched thin, with 601 seniors currently on the waitlist, underscoring the urgent need for greater investment in senior nutrition programs. 

Securing Essential Funding for Senior Nutrition

To address this crisis, the Advisory Council and Sound Generations are urging lawmakers to increase ongoing funding for senior nutrition services to $35.4 million. Programs like Meals on Wheels, community dining, and senior center pantries provided over 3.2 million meals to nearly 49,000 seniors and people with disabilities in 2023 alone. While Governor Inslee’s 2024 budget proposal includes $28 million, it falls short of the funding needed to sustain services and meet rising demand. Further changes in the budget are expected in 2025.

Why Senior Nutrition Programs Matter 

Proper nutrition reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and falls among older adults. Without access to regular meals, seniors face higher rates of hospitalization and declining health. Group meal programs also provide critical social connections, helping to combat isolation, which research shows can have health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Beyond meals, senior centers serve as essential hubs, connecting older adults to healthcare, housing assistance, and financial support services. 

Key Legislative Priorities

Alongside advocating for senior nutrition funding, the Advisory Council and Sound Generations championed several key bills designed to improve housing stability, long-term care, and accessibility for Washington’s older adults. 

Impactful Conversations with Lawmakers 

The delegation met with the offices of senators Yasmin Trudeau, Phil Fortunato, Jamie Pedersen, Claudia Kauffman, Noel Frame, Vandana Slatter and the offices of representatives Joshua Penner, Joe Fitzgibbon, Brianna Thomas, Julia Reed, Chipalo Street, Gerry Pollet, and Lisa Callan.  

Throughout the day, personal stories shared by Advisory Council members and Sound Generations representatives made a profound impact, bringing real-life experiences to the forefront of policy discussions. The team also secured unscheduled meetings, reinforcing the effectiveness of face-to-face advocacy and lawmakers’ willingness to engage on these critical issues. 

Next Steps: Sustaining Advocacy Beyond Olympia

While the Olympia visit was a success, the work is far from over. The ADS Advisory Council and aging advocacy partners will continue to push for these priorities through letters, calls, and follow-up meetings to ensure policymakers take action. 

Washington’s seniors deserve a future where they can age with dignity, financial security, and access to essential services. The Advisory Council remains committed to making that vision a reality. 

Want to help? Get involved today and support the movement for a better future for Washington’s aging population! 

• Click here if you would like to join The Seattle-King County Advisory Council for Aging and Disability Services. 
• Click here if you would like to receive W4A action alerts  
• Learn more about The Washington State Senior Citizens’ Lobby 

This article was published on behalf of The Seattle-King County Advisory Council for Aging and Disability Services which advocates for local, state, and national programs that promote quality of life for older people and adults with disabilities.