Food Assistance Help
Food Assistance Information – Provided by the PA Department of Aging and COSA
Senior Community Centers.
These centers provide nutritious lunchtime meals and socialization. Many also offer grab & go meals. You can find a senior center near you by visiting Senior Community Centers at www.aging.pa.gov/local-resources/pages/senior-center.aspx
Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Older adults can call their local Area Agency on Aging to connect with meal resources at the local level, including in-home meal delivery and other meal options. The local Area Agency on Aging can be found by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/AAA, or by calling the Department of Aging at (717) 783-1550.
PACE program
Older adults can call the Department of Aging’s PACE program at 1 (800) 424-4356 to apply for the Senior Food Box program, which provides eligible individuals with nutritious, shelf-stable groceries each month. PACE operators will complete the application for the applicant and send it directly to the Department of Agriculture. PACE can also help connect individuals with local food pantries and meal assistance.
PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources
Older adults can call the PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources at 1 (800) 753-8827. A regional PA Link counselor will provide one-on-one help to connect seniors with meal support, benefits programs and other help with activities of daily living.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
Starting June 1 each year, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides eligible adults over age 60 with vouchers that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at more than 800 farm stands and more than 200 farmers’ markets in Pennsylvania. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The local Area Agency on Aging can explain when and how to get your vouchers.
Medicare Advantage Plans and Special Needs Plans
Some Medicare Advantage Plans and Special Needs Plans offer grocery benefits, food boxes, and home-delivered meals as a plan bonus. Individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Special Needs Plan should inquire with their plan to see if they offer these added benefits.
211
Individuals can call 211 or visit www.211pa.org to connect with various local food resources, or to locate the local Area Agency on Aging.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Visit www.agriculture.pa.gov/food/Pages/default.aspx learn more about nutrition programs for older adults at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
SNAP Emergency Allotment
Individuals can learn more about the end of the SNAP Emergency Allotment and other resources available at www.dhs.pa.gov/SNAPCares.