Are you struggling to get the food, groceries, and nutrition you need? If so, some programs can help you get the food you need to stay healthy and well.
You deserve to have food to eat. Fortunately, here in the United States, there are many programs available to help low-income Americans get food. Many charitable organizations, non-profits, and government programs are working tirelessly to reduce hunger across America.
With these programs, individuals and families can get groceries, financial help for food delivery, and help from a local food bank. It’s important to realize that food assistance programs exist across the nation and you do not have to struggle with this essential human need.
Let’s explore the options you have for getting food on the table.
If you need food today, please check the Feeding America website to find a local food bank.
Feeding America lists a nationwide network of food banks. Altogether, these food banks distribute 4.3 billion meals each year. This organization is fighting against hunger and it offers food without any expectation of payment, donation, or repayment.
If you are concerned about public health and safety, look for organizations that are practicing safe health standards. Many food programs offer low-or-no contact options to ensure safety for visitors. Some offer seniors-only hours, drive-thru pantries, and expanded home delivery services.
Please reach out and explore what is available in your area.
Some of these food assistance programs are specific to certain demographics. Please take a look and see if they could help you, your family, or your loved ones.
When it comes to federal hunger relief programs, you’ll find a suite of programs to assist with a wide variety of food needs.
For instance, TEFAP, or The Emergency Food Assistance Program provides USDA commodities to families in need of short-term hunger relief. NSLP or the National School Lunch Program provides nutritious meals and snacks to children and adults at specific care centers.
SFSP, the Summer Food Service Program provides free meals and snacks to low-income children during the summer months. WIC, the Women, Infants, and Children program provides nutritious food and education for low-income, at-risk women and infants. Many of these meals are being served during COVID while observing social distancing guidelines.
It may be a little overwhelming and sound like a collection of ‘alphabet soup’ yet, each program is aimed at serving a unique population in need.
SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a government-provided service, formerly called Food Stamps. To fill out a SNAP application, visit your local Social Services offices. Some communities also have a designated SNAP Office.
Be sure to check with your state and county programs to find out if you qualify for financial assistance for groceries.
If you have limited mobility, it’s possible to fill out forms so a caregiver can complete the application, as well as get authorization to do your shopping with a SNAP card.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is also known as SFMNP. This government program helps seniors get access to healthy farm food. Seniors who qualify are given vouchers or coupons to use at farmer’s markets, farm stands, or direct from a participating farmer. In most areas, the program operates from May through October.
If you’re currently part of CSFP or participate in SNAP, look into this program. You can contact your local benefits office to get coupons, without having to fill out an application.
Approximately 840,000 seniors receive SFMNP coupons each year – and 85% are redeemed. The coupons can be used to buy fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey.
Every community has unique programs to help seniors get adequate and nutritious food. Some areas offer programs under the umbrella of Emergency COVID funding, state programs, and county services.
Check with your local government for details about programs that may be available to get the assistance you need. Most of these programs offer pantry directories for cities and rural communities – in English and Spanish.
For example, in Oregon, you’ll find an online directory of pantries, food banks, and resources. The links include information about dining room services for people who are at-risk, homeless, or near homeless. Additionally, you can link to resources for Trillium Produce Plus, which brings high-quality products to people in need – free of charge.
There may be similar programs in your area – check online to get the help you need.
This is one of the largest, long-standing, and well-known food programs in the United States. Meals on Wheels offers over 5000 programs and over 1 million meals per day. Meals are available for groups, families, as well as direct delivery for individuals who are homebound.
The local branches of Meals on Wheels are staffed by volunteers, with some programs overseen by county or city funding. Check out the programs available in your area.
Often called, ‘the box,’ or ‘the senior box program,’ this popular commodity supplemental food program (CSFP) feeds more than half a million low-income seniors, ages 60 and older. It is designed to provide food packages that supplement nutrients and support health.
Many of the Feeding America food banks offer Senior Grocery Programs. These programs provide free groceries to older adults. Don’t worry – there are no strings attached. Check with your local food bank to find a program in your area.
Find help with a free online service, Benefits CheckUp, offered by the National Council on Aging. Answer a few questions and get a personalized report of programs in your area. These offerings may include programs that can help with food, medications, health care, utilities, and more. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.
Some insurance companies are assisting qualifying seniors who are homebound. These programs may be very useful for people who are suffering from chronic conditions, recovering from surgery, or experiencing limited mobility.
One program Humana Well Dine offers meals to qualifying Medicare members. These meals are easy to prepare, packaged, and available at no additional cost. Different options are available such as kosher, vegetarian, diabetic, puree, and more. The program is designed to help eligible seniors get high-quality food while recovering from a stay in a hospital or nursing home.
The Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and state governments are exploring ways to meet the food and dining needs of different populations. Some states, such as Oregon, offer vouchers at restaurants or other food service establishments.
Check with your local Department of Human Services to find programs in your area.
Many programs are available to help low-income Americans get access to nutritious food. Get the food, financial help, and access you need to eat well. You have options to get the food you need to stay healthy and well.
