The price of groceries around the country has been rising quite a bit in recent years. Many people are feeling the pinch and find it difficult to keep paying for all the groceries that they need. This is especially true for seniors who are struggling to pay for all of their bills and live on a fixed income. The good news is that there are places that provide free groceries for seniors who can barely afford them.
No matter what people do to try and save money at the grocery store, their bill still ends up surprising them with how high it is. As the price of groceries continues to climb, many people are looking for ways to get free groceries to ensure that they can still get by each month and meet their food needs. Seniors are especially vulnerable when it comes to this situation because most of them live on an income that doesn’t increase enough to keep up with the rising cost of goods and services.
There are programs that provide free groceries for seniors who can barely afford them. The programs exist to help ensure that people have their basic food needs met. They are offered by the federal government, charitable organizations, and other places in communities around the country. Without these places, seniors may not be able to meet their basic food needs each month.
Where Seniors Can Get Free Groceries
The places below are options that seniors can turn to in order to get free groceries. Contact as many places as you feel is a good fit since there is no limit to the number of places you can get free food from. These places may also be able to refer you to other programs in your area that can help.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is provided by the federal government. This used to be called food stamps and is often still referred to as that. SNAP will provide those who have a low income with the means to purchase groceries each month. If you are approved, they will provide you with a debit-style card that is used as your payment source at the grocery store or some farmer’s markets. The amount you electronically receive each month is determined by how many dependents are in your home. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program, which is the largest source of free groceries in the country. You can apply online or at your local social services office. To get more information and apply for SNAP, click here.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) – This program is provided through the United States Department of Agriculture, which is a federal agency. The program provides seniors who are at least 60 years old with nutritious food to supplement their diet and help ensure they are meeting their food needs. The package that seniors receive each month through this program includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, juice, milk, cheese, proteins, and grains. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
USDA National Hunger Hotline – This number is provided by the federal government and is for those who need urgent assistance obtaining food. They will allow you to call or text them to find out where you can get free food immediately. To get more information about the program, click here.
211 – Those who need emergency food supplies can call this number for assistance. The number is for a program run by the United Way organization. They will refer you to a local place that will give you emergency food supplies. To get more information about the referral program, click here.
Food Banks and Pantries – There are many food banks and pantries around the country. These are places that provide free groceries to those who need them. Some will allow you to pull up to the door, and they will hand you bags of food, while others are set up like a store and allow you to shop for the items you need and get them for free. There are also some that will deliver the free groceries to you if it is too difficult to go out to pick them up. To find a food bank or pantry near you, click here.
Churches – There are many churches around the country, and they are great places for seniors who can barely afford them to get free groceries. They often hold free food days for the public, where they will provide bags and boxes of groceries to the people who show up at a certain time and place. Some maintain food pantries all year long, allowing people to walk in and get groceries for free. Contact your local churches to see if they have a food pantry or will be giving away groceries. They often call the free grocery events “food drops.”
Meals on Wheels – This is a program specifically for seniors who need help obtaining food. There are Meals on Wheels providers around the country. You just need to find your local one and let them know you would like to have free meals. They will deliver them right to your door. To get more information and register, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization has many locations around the country. They will provide people with free hot meals, as well as free groceries they can take home. To find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization is similar to Salvation Army. They are a charity that has many locations and provide people with a range of helpful services, including free food. To get more information and find a location in your area, click here.
St. Vincent de Paul – This is another popular charity that has locations around the country. They will provide free food to seniors and others who need assistance. They will also help with a variety of other things, such as free clothing. To find a location near you, click here.
