The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides coupons for fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs that can be used at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community farms. To be eligible, seniors must be 60 or older and have an income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines.
How Seniors Can Access Fresh, Nutritious Food: Your Guide to SFMNP, CSFP, and More
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides a monthly package of healthy food to low-income seniors age 60 and over. USDA distributes the food to local agencies where seniors can pick it up. In some states, the food may be delivered to eligible seniors.
Seniors should contact their state SFMNP and CSFP offices to apply. If these programs aren’t available, they might still qualify for SNAP.
SNAP helps needy families and individuals, including seniors, buy healthy food. It supplements their food budget. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible adults enrolled at participating adult day care centers.
In Pennsylvania, seniors can contact their local Area Agency on Aging to find out more about meals and other services available in their area.
Food assistance programs for older adults
Low-income seniors aged 60 and above can access various food assistance programs at federal and state levels. These programs offer farmers market coupons, supplemental food, nutrition benefits, and meals at adult day care. Eligibility usually depends on age and income. Seniors should contact their state offices to apply and learn about local programs. Here are some key food assistance programs available for older adults in the United States:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income, expenses and other factors.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
Provides low-income seniors with coupons (usually around $20) to buy locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets. Coupons are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible seniors.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Provides a monthly package of healthy USDA foods to supplement the diets of low-income persons at least 60 years of age. USDA distributes the food to local agencies where participants can pick it up.
Community Dining Programs
Serve healthy meals to older adults up to 5 days a week at approximately 1,000 locations like senior centers across the country. The meals are free, but voluntary contributions are accepted. Transportation may be available.
Home-Delivered Meals Programs
Deliver healthy meals to the homes of seniors who are unable to prepare meals themselves and lack assistance from others. Meals are provided up to 5 days a week for free, though contributions are accepted.
To find out specific eligibility requirements and how to apply for these programs:
- Contact your local Office for the Aging or the central Eldercare Locator service
- Visit the websites of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service or Benefits.gov
- Call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY
The goal of these programs is to improve the health of low-income older adults by providing access to nutritious foods. Some also aim to increase consumption of locally grown produce. Connecting with these food assistance programs can be an important way for seniors to get the healthy meals they need.