As we age, access to healthy food can be expensive which creates challenges to maintaining a nutritious diet. Thankfully, there are benefits assistance programs that can help older adults better afford food, providing services like home-delivered meals, farmers market discounts, and food pantry deliveries. Continue reading to learn more about these programs, who can use them, and how to apply.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps people buy groceries by providing money each month on an EBT card. This card works just like a debit card at most grocery stores and farmers markets, making it easier to access fresh and healthy food. With SNAP, older adults don’t have to choose between buying food and paying for other essentials like medicine, health care, utilities, or other monthly expenses.

To qualify for SNAP, you need to meet certain income limits. These limits are based on federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines and change every year. To check your SNAP eligibiity, you can use our free, online tool. Click here to get started. All you do is answer a few simple questions, and we'll help you learn more and see if you may qualify for food assistance. If you do, you’ll also get step-by-step instructions on how to apply, if eligible.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Another program that helps older adults access nutritious food is the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). This program provides healthy, USDA-approved foods to people who are at least 60 years old and, like SNAP, meet certain income limits. The program runs in all 50 states, with local agencies distributing food and offering nutritional education. They also connect participants with other helpful services, such as health care and other social programs.

You can learn more about CSFP or find out how to apply by contacting your local CSFP office.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is another program that can help. As a federal program, TEFAP helps provide food to those in need, including older adults, through food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and other local groups. People can get TEFAP benefits by TEFAP operates in all 50 states, and each state has its own rules for eligibility. To find out if you're eligible for TEFAP, contact your state’s TEFAP office.

Feeding America

Feeding America is a nonprofit organization that has a nationwide network, providing food to those in need through food banks, food pantries, and local meal programs via food distribution centers and mobile food pantries. They also have special programs for older adults, such as home delivery which delivers nutritious food right to your door. Visit Feeding America’s website to learn how to get access to these benefits or find a food bank near you.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a charity organization that provides a wide range of services, including several food assistance programs. They run neighborhood food pantries where people can get food and other essentials. For those with limited time or mobility, the Salvation Army also delivers food parcels, which provide enough food for two to three meals a week. These parcels can be picked up curbside or delivered to your home.

Additionally, the Salvation Army has mobile food pantries that bring food to "food deserts," or areas where they believe people have trouble accessing grocery stores or healthy food. For immediate help or to find a food pantry near you, visit the Salvation Army website. There, you can find information about food, housing, and other services.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income older adults with coupons to be used at farmers markets and roadside stands. These coupons can be exchanged for things like locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs. The program operates across the country, with each state having a specific set of requirements for enrollment into the program, such as the amount of money you receive for income. To learn more about the program or to apply, contact your state’s SFMNP office.

Additional Resources

Aside from the programs and organizations mentioned above, there are other resources available if you need food assistance. These include:

  • 211: Dial 211 or visit 211’s website to find local agencies and community groups that can help you get food in an emergency.
  • USDA National Hunger Hotline:  Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY(1-866-348-6479) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) to talk to someone who can help you find food resources like meal sites, food banks, and other services near you. The hotline is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also text your question to 914-342-7744 using words like "food" or "meals," to get a message with local resources near your address or zip code.