Food programs for senior citizens.
Senior citizens can get help with their nutritional needs from non-profits, charities or government benefit programs. There are several programs that provide food ranging from low-salt or sodium free groceries to free protein drinks such as Ensure or Boost, vitamins, supplements and home delivery of meals too. Find how seniors can get help with food and groceries.
The nutritional needs of senior citizens over the age of 55 and older are often different than others. The government, through programs such as USDA surplus commodities, tries to help them get the food they need, especially low-income senior citizens on a fixed income such as social security. Several other organizations, such as pantries, Area Agency on Aging Centers and other locations also try to help.
Assistance programs that help seniors get food
Free congregate meals as are available in all states. Individuals over the age of 55 or 60 can choose from meal sites including churches, senior centers, religious facilities, or area on aging offices. Many free food pantries, soup kitchens or housing facilities also serve free meals to senior citizens from their centers.
- Not only can a senior citizen get a free, nutritious USDA approved hot meal or lunch or grocery bag of nutritional supplements, but they can also have the opportunity to socialize with their peers. These meal services are offered for any senior or elderly person, regardless of their income. Locate a free hot meal location in your area.
Food banks also help the elderly. Low income senior citizens, or those who can’t make ends meet, can use a food pantry near them for free groceries. While the inventory will vary, there can be low-salt or gluten free groceries, lean protein, low fat dairy, fruits, fiber and more. Charities and churches with a pantry also give other support around cooking, shopping, socialization for senors and more. The process will also allow them to attend workshops and get support from the community. Find emergency food pantries.
Homebound people (seniors or those with health care issues or a disability) who can’t make it to a feeding site or grocery store and who are homebound can look into free home delivered meals. Elderly or homebound clients will need to be unable to shop for food or prepare meals on their own. The delivery service is generally free, but a small donation is usually appreciated.
- The home delivered meal programs are also commonly referred to as Meals on Wheels, however the name can change by local state. Volunteers will bring food and meals to homebound seniors, which can help them to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Some of the volunteers will also bring the client a free, special holiday meal at Thanksgiving, Easter or Christmas.
In addition to receiving food and access to the nutrition services, senior citizens are offered daily contact with staff or program volunteers. This means someone can check up on them as well as provide company. They will also provide seniors a link to additional services in their communities. Find out how to apply for Meals on Wheels.
Free food is offered to seniors over 60 years of age from the federal government funded Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). There will be groceries such as free eggs, cheese, meat, bread and more. Healthy meals and groceries are offered in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and your state. Additional nutrition information is also provided in order to help facilitate good health from the USDA CSFP program.
Pet food, or supplies such as litter, can be delivered to a senior too. For seniors struggling to feed their pets, free dog or cat food may be available too. Some Meals on Wheels services now provide this for low income elderly and the homebound. An increasing number of providers are implementing this program for those elderly households that have a very low income.
- The free dog or cat food for a clients pet will free up their often fixed income salaries for other basic needs. In addition, having a healthy pet can really help a senior citizen, recently retired or disabled person by providing companionship and other benefits. Learn where to go to free pet food from meals on wheels.
Free protein drinks, such as Boost or Ensure, will be provided from some government organizations as well as charities. A food bank may bring items or some services will deliver it to a senior citizen. Generally, age and income requirements are required (such as over 60 years old and/or low-income), but the drinks will help meet nutritional requirements. Find free protein drinks for seniors.
Another delivery service that will help seniors get healthy fruit, vegetables, and similar items is the Community Supported Agriculture program. The service, known as CSA, is very affordable and provide people fresh, cheap yet high quality produce items right from a local farm, and the food is delivered to the home of a senior citizen or anyone who signs up. Find how to get low-cost produce from Community Supported Agriculture farms.
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