6 Benefit Programs That Could Help You Pay for Food

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a program that helps people — not just families with children — make ends meet by providing monthly benefits to purchase food. On average, adults 60 and older who live alone receive $105 a month in benefits.

About 8.7 million households with adults 50 and older participate now, but many more are eligible. If you didn’t qualify before, now may be the time to apply again, especially if you are over age 60 or living with a disability.

Sometimes referred to as the “senior food box” program, this benefit is for adults over 60 who are living on a limited income. Boxes of shelf-stable foods, including meats, fish, vegetables, canned fruit, dry beans, and cereal are distributed through agencies that vary by state. Because CSFP is designed to fill in the gaps of other food assistance programs, you can participate even if you are receiving SNAP benefits.

If you already get free grocery money as part of SNAP or monthly food packages from the CSFP, you may qualify automatically for this program, which supports farmers and helps prevent food waste. Running from May through September, the program gives coupons or checks worth up to $50 to buy locally grown foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even honey at:

• Farmers’ Markets
• Roadside Stands
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs

You must be over 60 and meet certain income requirements. You can apply through the local agency managing the program where you live.

The most well-known program to receive funding from this federal benefit, Meals on Wheels brings a nutritious meal and companionship to people over 60 who are at risk of losing their independence. You can receive this benefit on top of participating in SNAP, although there isn’t usually an income requirement to qualify.

Whether or not you qualify for SNAP, you may still need food assistance. That’s where Emergency Food Assistance can help. TEFAP is a federally funded program that supports food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community-based partners who feed people in need. Which agencies distribute the food varies by state, so you’ll need to find who participates in your area.

Visiting your local food pantry before you do your grocery shopping is a good strategy. Planning your meals around items from the food pantry and filling in gaps at the store can save you money at the register. In addition to non-perishable foods, you can usually find fresh foods like milk, eggs, produce, and meat. Most food pantries won’t ask you for proof of income but will ask you for proof of residency, so bring your ID or a bill with your name on it. You’re usually allowed to shop there once a week.