Tips for Seniors

Grocery Assistance Programs for Seniors

Written by: Coriann MacNeill, UCO graduate student in dietetics & 

Tawni Holmes, PhD, RD, LD

Good nutrition is essential to health, independence, and quality of life of older adults and one of the major determinants of successful aging. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as consuming a healthful diet and engaging in physical activity can ease the aging process. 

The number of seniors (60+) across the nation is growing and many struggle with hunger and food insecurity. In Oklahoma, 11% of households with senior citizens face food insecurity. Not only does this contribute to a hungry stomach, but many other issues may arise from this including skipping meals, choosing between food and medicine, postponing medical care, and ultimately poor health outcomes.

For some seniors, low income can make it difficult to afford quality food. In addition, decreased mobility and dependence on outside assistance can also make it difficult to do needed grocery shopping. In order to ensure adequate and proper nutrition and decrease risk of chronic health conditions, there are many government organizations and programs to assist seniors who face food insecurity.  

(Titles are links to programs and more information)

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of eligible families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. SNAP recipients utilize Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase food in authorized retail stores or Farmers’ Markets.

How to apply:

The preferred application method is to apply online at www.OKDHSLive.org. However, you may submit a completed form 08MP001E (Request for Benefits) to your Local DHS Human Services Center. If you are unable to access the form online, they are available at your local office. Contact: SNAP@okdhs.org

(405) 521-3444

(405) 522-5050

Toll Free: 1-866-411-1877

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs. Common locations for this program include senior centers or senior housing complexes. Farmer’s Market locations.

Local Programs: 

Older Americans Nutrition Program

This program is intended to improve older people’s nutrition status and enable them to avoid medical problems, continue living in communities of their choice, and to avoid staying in institutions. There are meals available at least five days a week that must comply with Dietary Guidelines for Americans and consider local cultural preferences. The Older Americans Nutrition Program includes:

  • Congregate Meals Program – Meals are available at sites accessible to as many eligible older adults as possible. These sites are often at community centers, faith-based facilities, senior centers, or schools. 
  • Edmond Senior Center: A warm meal is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:30 am. The suggested donation is $3. Participants must be over 55 year of age. Check in at 11:00. Reservations are required.
      • 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr. Edmond, OK 73034
      • (405) 216-7600
  • Home-Delivered Meals Program – Meals are delivered to those who are homebound either permanently or temporarily such as Edmond Mobile Meals. Meals delivered can be hot, cold, frozen, dried, or canned and some combination of meals may be provided five to seven days per week.

HOPE Center of Edmond

The purpose of the HOPE Center of Edmond is to meet basic needs of members in the Edmond and Arcadia community. This program provides food, clothing, and financial assistance to those local to the area. Located at 1251 N. Broadway, Suite B. 

Contact:

HOPE Center of Edmond: (405) 348 -1340

HOPE Center Health Clinic: (405) 348 – 4680

Project 66 

The Project 66 Food & Resource Center is a faith-based, nonprofit that provides food and resources to people who are facing food insecurity in Edmond, Arcadia, Jones, and Luther, Oklahoma. Plan to enjoy a grocery cart full of fresh produce, meat, dairy foods, plus dry and canned goods of your choice. Located at 2612 S. Kelly Ave. in Edmond. 

Contact:

office@project66.org

Project 66 Office: (405) 341 – 1353

Samaritan House

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church provides food assistance to persons within the Parish area.
When requesting food assistance for the first time, an individual will be asked to show a photo ID and proof of residence (lease agreement, utility bill with their name and address).  Generally anyone that comes looking for food is not turned away, as this is an essential need, especially for families. Food assistance includes canned goods, pasta, rice, beans, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, bread, meat, eggs, milk, available produce and toiletries. Location: 42 E. 9th St. in Edmond

Contact: 405-216-7554.

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