Food prices are rising rapidly throughout the country. Consequently, more Americans now need to turn to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for assistance. This program is a vital source of support to low-income families. It has a tremendous potential to help seniors too, many of whom don’t even know what’s out there to help them. Grocery stores, online retailers, and farmers markets are eager to welcome SNAP dollars. This simplicity helps improve convenience and access to programs for beneficiaries and increases access to healthy food.
SNAP is one of the country’s most effective anti-hunger programs, enabling eligible households to buy groceries via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Hundreds of grocery stores nationwide have joined the program, offering beneficiaries access to an incredible diversity of foods. In addition, major online retailers, such as Walmart, have begun accepting SNAP funds, expanding accessibility and convenience for users who may have difficulty shopping in-person.
Farmers markets have been instrumental in this fight to get more SNAP participants access to healthy produce. In addition, these markets accept SNAP benefits to ensure that fresh produce and locally made goods are accessible to everyone. This allows beneficiaries to eat healthier food with increased nutritional quality. This program helps sustain local farmers while improving access to fresh foods and healthy eating among low-income families and seniors.
Despite these efforts, a 2015 study highlighted a concerning trend: less than half of eligible seniors participated in the SNAP program. Given both the stigma associated with seeking help and the confusion around eligibility among older adults, many who are eligible might not even realize they’re eligible. The maximum monthly benefit for a household of one is currently set at $292, which can significantly help those struggling to afford groceries.
Nancy Nierman is a financial advisor and nationally recognized expert on government assistance programs. She focuses on the importance of seniors knowing their rights and what options are out there.
“The good news is there are multiple options for borrowers to stop those payment offsets.” – Nancy Nierman
For seniors who can no longer work because of sickness or disability, there are other paths. Nierman noted that they can file for a Total & Permanent Disability discharge, which can help alleviate some financial burdens.
To help people get the most out of their SNAP benefits, we want to encourage people to take advantage of every resource out there. Local immigrant advocacy and community organizations are frequently a source of help to get through the application process and understand eligibility requirements.