Get Help With Your Groceries Diet & Nutrition

Get Help With Your Groceries

A frustrating fact

Nearly 119,000 seniors in Massachusetts unnecessarily risk going hungry every day. Too many older Bay State residents don’t realize that they are eligible for , the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or don’t know how to apply. SNAP can make a big difference for older adults with limited incomes, especially those who live alone. Benefits average about $130 a month and can help prevent seniors from having to make tough choices between buying food or medicine.

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Enrollment Clinics in Springfield br

This September, as part of Hunger Action Month, AARP aims to raise awareness and help Springfield area residents sign up for SNAP – so they get help to pay their grocery bills. We’re joining forces with the to hold local SNAP enrollment clinics from 1-4 p.m. every Thursday in September. Visit us at one of the sessions to see if you or someone you care about is eligible for SNAP benefits, or call the Food Bank at 1-800-247-9632. (In other parts of Massachusetts, call the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.)

SNAP Enrollment Clinics 1-4 pm br

Sept. 6, Central Library, 220 State Street
Sept. 13, Mason Square Library, 765 State Street
Sept. 20, Mason Square Library, 765 State Street
Sept. 27, Brightwood Library, 359 Plainfield Street

About SNAP br

A federal program, administered at the state level, SNAP helps families and seniors buy the nutritious food they need for good health. The cornerstone of the nation’s nutrition safety net, SNAP helps prevent and alleviate food insecurity and hunger. SNAP helps you to buy food at grocery stores, convenience stores, some farmers’ markets and co-op food programs. At the checkout counter, you use a SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card, to pay for food.

In Massachusetts, SNAP works in tandem with the Elder Nutrition Program, which provides home-delivered meals to older persons as well as meals at senior centers and other central locations.

Eligibility br

Seniors with regular income from Social Security or a pension may still get SNAP benefits. Eligibility is based on household size, income and certain expenses, such as out-of-pocket health care costs for seniors. For most, assets such as savings and investments will not be counted, nor will the house that you are living in, or your IRA. Also, seniors do not have to comply with work requirements.

Visit to check your SNAP eligibility or call the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. Western Massachusetts residents can call the Food Bank at 1-800-247-9632.

Drive to End Hunger Food Drives br

Join and on Wednesday, Sept. 5, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Stop & Shop locations in Springfield for food drives to benefit local relief efforts. Drive by and drop off non-perishable food items to help your neighbors, and our community!
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