Getting Help With Food Costs: SNAP and Senior Meal Programs

Rising food prices can make it hard for older adults on fixed incomes to eat well. Several programs are designed to help. Many eligible older adults do not apply, often because they assume they will not qualify or that the benefit will be small.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that can be used to buy groceries at participating stores, and in some areas at farmers markets and online.

Special rules for older adults. Households with a member who is 60 or older, or who has a disability, have some different rules:

• They may be able to deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses above a certain amount each month, such as prescriptions, Medicare premiums, dental care and transportation to medical appointments. This can increase the benefit amount.
• They generally do not have to meet the gross income test, only the net income test.
• They may have a higher resource limit.

Recent changes to work requirements. Federal legislation enacted in July 2025 expanded SNAP time limits and work requirements for "able-bodied adults without dependents" to include adults up to age 64. Previously, the upper age was 54. People in this group may need to work, volunteer or participate in training for at least 80 hours a month to keep benefits beyond a time limit, unless they qualify for an exemption, such as a physical or mental limitation. Adults 65 and older are not subject to these work requirements. States implement the rules, so contact your state SNAP office if you are between 55 and 64 and receive or plan to apply for benefits.

How to apply: Apply through your state SNAP office. Many states allow online applications. Some states offer simplified applications for older adults.

Older Americans Act nutrition programs

Congregate meals are served at senior centers, community centers and other sites for people 60 and older. They provide nutritious meals and a chance to socialize.

Home-delivered meals, often called Meals on Wheels, bring meals to older adults who have difficulty leaving home. Volunteers who deliver meals also provide a friendly check-in.

These programs typically ask for a voluntary contribution but do not turn anyone away for inability to pay.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

CSFP provides a monthly box of nutritious foods to eligible low-income adults 60 and older in participating areas. Boxes may include canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, rice, pasta, cheese, milk and protein foods.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Where available, this program provides eligible older adults with benefits to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs at participating farmers markets and roadside stands.

Food pantries

Local food pantries, often run by food banks, places of worship and community organizations, provide free groceries. Some have special hours or home delivery for older adults.

How to find programs

• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov
• Your local Area Agency on Aging
• BenefitsCheckUp from the National Council on Aging
• 211, a free information and referral line in many areas

Common myths

"Taking SNAP takes food away from someone else." SNAP benefits are available to everyone who qualifies.

"I'll only get a few dollars." Benefit amounts vary. Deducting medical expenses can increase benefits for older adults.

"It will affect my Social Security." SNAP benefits do not reduce Social Security benefits.

Terrameritavi is an independent publication and is not affiliated with the USDA or any government agency. Program rules change; confirm details with your state agency.