Resources Available for Hungry Seniors

posted 9/4/19 -- Fewer than half of seniors eligible for assistance receive services. The USDA reports only 42% of eligible seniors are enrolled in Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).

"As a community, we need to encourage seniors to accept assistance and connect them to programs and services," said LCCAA President and CEO Jackie Boehnlein.

"Many seniors don't know where to go or who to ask. Most have their reasons for suffering quietly."

Other resources are available through Second Harvest which administers the regional Senior Box Program, or the federally-funded Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

CSFP is designed to improve the health of the low-income elderly population by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA foods. Second Harvest provides 1,200 monthly boxes, which are 40 to 50 pounds each, of nutritionally complete food. The boxes include protein, cereals, rice, fruits, vegetables and grains.

Seniors who are eligible for this program must be age 60 or older and living on no more than 130% of the Federal Poverty Level ($16,237 annually for one person).

Seniors may need a nudge from someone who cares about them to apply for help.

"It is a hard topic to bring up," Boehnlein added. "If you suspect hunger, though, it is worth a moment of discomfort to kindly inquire. Simply ask if they are getting the food and nutrition good health requires."

To apply for SNAP, seniors should visit Lorain County Job and Family Services. For the Senior Box Program, contact Sam Flores at 440-960-2265 for more information or to apply.