Several grocery and meal programs are available to support nutrition for adults over age 60.
Learn more about nutrition programs below, or use our screener to find out which programs you are likely eligible for.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or Link) helps individuals and families purchase groceries.
Adults over age 60 have expanded eligibility rules. Older adults can have income up to 200% of the federal poverty line ($29,160 for a household of one). When determining eligibility, older adults can deduct medical expenses, and they do not face a cap on housing expenses for the housing deduction.
Older adults also have a simplified process for maintaining benefits. Once enrolled, adults over age 60 only have to recertify their eligibility every 24 months.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides a package of nutritious foods specifically selected to support the nutritional needs of older adults, like cereal, rice, pasta, and canned fruits and vegetables. CSFP is only available in certain counties in Illinois.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides checks to older adults to help them purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. SFMNP is only available in certain counties in Illinois.
Food pantries provide groceries to individuals in a variety of community locations.
Older adult meal programs provide meals to older adults in group settings or for home delivery. Group settings include senior centers, churches, senior housing facilities, and community buildings. When older adults cannot leave their homes or cannot personally prepare nutritious meals, home delivered meals are an available option.