Mobility or financial issues can make it harder for older Americans to fulfill their nutritional needs, but there are services available to help you get the food you require.

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The programs that help seniors access healthy, nutritious food include:

Home-delivered meals

Home-delivered meals provide healthy food to homebound seniors and help them stay in contact with members of their community. To learn more about your local program, call the ADRC hotline at 1-877-222-3737, or click here and follow the instructions to narrow by county.

Congregate meals

Congregate meal programs offer meals in a group setting, often at a senior center or municipal building. To find the program nearest you, call the ADRC hotline at 1-877-222-3737, or click here and follow the instructions to narrow by county.

Nutrition counselling and education

Congregate meal sites can also offer nutrition counselling and education to promote healthy habits. To learn what services are available, call the ADRC hotline at 1-877-222-3737 or enquire at your local senior center.

NJ SNAP

New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, NJ SNAP, can provide food assistance to people to help them buy groceries through a benefits card accepted in most food stores and some farmers’ markets. People age 60 and older have relaxed eligibility requirements: find out if you are eligible by using the Department of Human Service's NJ Help tool. SNAP eligibility is also screened through DoAS’ NJSave application, which can help low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities save money on Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and other living expenses.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income seniors at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious commodity foods provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Commodities are pre-packaged and include a variety of foods that may change monthly depending upon what is available for USDA. CSFP is administered through food banks. For more information, contact your nearest food bank.

Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs to eligible New Jerseyans 60 years of age and older. To learn if you are eligible or to enroll in this program, call the ADRC hotline at 1-877-222-3737 or contact your local Area Agency on Agency.