SNAP (Food Stamp) Benefits for Older Adults
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income households buy groceries with a monthly benefit loaded onto an EBT card (works like a debit card).
In SNAP, you’re considered “elderly” at age 60+, so there are special rules and deductions that can make it easier to qualify.
Medical expenses over a certain amount, shelter costs, and utilities can help lower your “counted” income.
Many older adults who qualify never apply — recent estimates show less than half of eligible older adults are enrolled.
Benefits:
A monthly benefit to buy food at grocery stores, some farmers’ markets, and certain online retailers. The amount depends on income, bills, and household size.
How to apply:
Go to the SNAP page for your state from the USDA website (search “SNAP [your state] application”).
Or call your local SNAP office (numbers listed on your state’s human services or social services website).
If using 211 (see Section 3), you can say: “I’m a senior and want help applying for SNAP.”
Note: New federal rules in 2025 tightened work requirements for some adults, but seniors 65+ are exempt from those work rules.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP “Senior Food Boxes”)
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program gives low-income seniors 60+ a monthly box of nutritious, shelf-stable food such as canned vegetables, fruit, cereal, milk, pasta, and protein items.
Most local food banks and community organizations manage this program, and sign-ups are usually simple.
Benefits:
A monthly food box (often called “Senior Food Box” or “CSFP box”)
Items are chosen to supplement your diet with proteins, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
How to find it in your area:
Check the “Food programs for older adults” page on USAGov, which lists CSFP as one of the main senior programs.
Many food banks and nonprofits run CSFP locally. Feeding America has a locator and information on CSFP senior boxes.
You can also call 211 and ask for “CSFP or senior food box programs.”
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
This seasonal program gives eligible seniors coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from approved farmers’ markets and farm stands.
It’s a wonderful way to enjoy fresh produce while supporting local farmers. Each state runs its own version, so the benefit amount and timing vary, but most seniors 60+ with limited income qualify.
Benefits:
Seasonal coupons or a card to spend at participating farmers’ markets, roadside stands, or community-supported agriculture (CSA) sites.
Encourages better nutrition and supports local farmers.
How to find it:
Search for “Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program [your state]” or see the list on the USDA site.
Local Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers usually know when and where the coupons are distributed.
Older Americans Act Meal Programs
Funded through the Older Americans Act, these programs provide free or low-cost meals for adults 60+ in two ways:
Group meals at senior centers or community sites
Home-delivered meals for those who are homebound or have difficulty preparing food
There are no strict income limits, and many programs also offer nutrition education, social connection, and wellness checks during delivery.
Benefits:
Hot, balanced meals (often with nutrition standards)
Social connection at group sites
Safety checks from drivers for home-delivered meals
How to find it:
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) – every county/region has one.
Look up “[Your County] Area Agency on Aging nutrition services” or check the Administration for Community Living resources.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels programs operate in almost every state, offering hot or frozen meals delivered straight to your door.
Beyond the food, the brief daily visit provides a friendly check-in — something especially helpful for seniors living alone or with limited mobility.
Each local program sets its own guidelines, but most prioritize adults 60+ who have health or transportation challenges.F
Benefits:
Regularly delivered meals (hot, chilled, or frozen depending on program)
A quick safety check and a friendly visit
Some programs also offer pet food, grocery bags, or extra wellness checks
How to find it:
Use the Meals on Wheels America “Find a program” tool on their website.
Or call your local senior center or AAA and ask about home-delivered meal programs.
Food Banks and Senior-Focused Pantry Programs
Food banks across the U.S. offer free groceries, produce distributions, and senior-specific pantry hours.
Many now provide drive-through pickup or even home delivery for older adults who cannot travel.
Examples of what’s available:
Senior food pantries with special hours or lines for older adults
Senior food boxes (often connected with CSFP)
Home food delivery for seniors with limited mobility
Pop-up markets or distributions at senior housing sites
How to find it:
Use the “Find Food” tool on Feeding America’s website (enter your ZIP code to see nearby food banks and pantries).
Ask your local church, community center, or 211 about senior-specific distributions.
211 — The Easiest Way to Find Local Help
If you’re not sure where to start, simply dial 211 from any phone.
It’s a free service that connects you with your nearest food pantries, senior meal programs, SNAP application assistance, and other helpful resources.
Just tell the operator: “I’m an older adult looking for food assistance programs in my area.”
How to use it:
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone (landline or mobile), or use the online Food Resource Finder at 211.org and enter your ZIP code.
Tell them: “I’m an older adult on a limited income. I’d like help finding food assistance programs I qualify for.”
They can point you to SNAP application help, food pantries, Meals on Wheels, senior center meals, and more in your exact area.
Medicare Grocery Allowance (Medicare/Private Insurance)
Some Medicare Advantage plans now include a grocery or healthy food allowance as part of their extra benefits. This is most common in Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid, but a few other plans also offer something similar.
Benefits:
Money specifically for groceries
You may receive a monthly or quarterly dollar amount (for example, $25–$150 or more, depending on the plan) that can be used for approved food items.
Helps stretch a fixed income
The allowance is separate from your Social Security or pension, so it can help free up money for other essentials like utilities or medications.
Healthier food options
Many plans encourage nutritious choices such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, lean protein, and other pantry basics.
Automatic reloads
In many cases, the card reloads automatically every month or quarter as long as you stay enrolled in the plan and still qualify.
With care,
Mike Bridges
Founder, The O55 Report