Food Resources
One in seven Americans sometimes has trouble getting enough food. At Health Partners Medicare, we know how important access to nutritious food is to your health. This page includes information about SNAP, local food resources and more.
SNAP for Older Adults
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In Pennsylvania, SNAP provides nutrition help to low-income individuals and families. You can use SNAP dollars to buy:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meats, fish and poultry
- Dairy (milk, yogurt and eggs)
- Packaged foods
- Canned goods
- Bread
SNAP dollars are loaded onto an ACCESS card each month. It is used like a debit card.
SNAP dollars cannot be used for pet food, alcohol or hot, prepared foods.
Who Qualifies for SNAP?
SNAP eligibility is based on income and family size. You can get more information on SNAP from the PA Department of Human Services or your local county assistance office.
Applying for SNAP
Fill out the Simple SNAP application from the PA Department of Human Services if everyone in the household is age 60 or older or has a disability, purchases and prepares food together, and does not receive any earnings from work. You can also apply for SNAP by calling or visiting your county assistance office or filling out an application at www.compass.state.pa.us.
Food Pantries, Senior Centers and Emergency Help
Food Pantries
Food pantries provide food to help those at risk of hunger. Food pantries offer:
- Packaged foods (pasta, cereal, rice)
- Canned goods (fruits, vegetables, tuna and soup)
- Personal care items
- Fresh produce and meats*
- Dairy (eggs, yogurt and milk)*
* If available
Some food pantries may require a photo ID or other proof that you live in their service area. Food pickup may be limited to certain days of the week. To find a food pantry near you, call 215-430-0556.
Senior Centers
Many senior centers serve a nutritious lunch every day for individuals age 60 and older. To find a center near you, contact your county’s Area Agency on Aging (see Other Resources).
Emergency Help
If you need a meal, call 215-430-0556 to find out where you can go for food right away.
Fresh Food
Fresh foods (fruits, vegetables, dairy and meats) are available through local farmers markets and other programs in your area, including:
SNAP Share at Greensgrow Farms
Greensgrow offers discounted meat, dairy and fruits and vegetables to SNAP recipients. All farm shares come with fresh produce and your choice of eggs or tofu.
Philadelphia’s Share Food Program
The Share Food Program provides families with fresh produce, meat and packaged foods at a reduced price once a month. You can pay with SNAP, cash, credit or money order.
Philly Food Bucks
SNAP recipients can shop for fresh foods at participating farmers markets using Philly Food Bucks coupons. Spend $5 on fruits and vegetables and you receive another $2 coupon so you can buy more.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program offers $20 in vouchers for low-income Pennsylvanians age 60 and older on a first-come, first-served basis. Vouchers may be used from mid-July to November 30 and can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. For more information, call your county’s Area Agency on Aging.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels programs deliver food to people of all ages who are homebound (unable to leave the house on their own) due to age, disability or while recovering from an illness or operation. Meals on Wheels may deliver groceries, as well as hot and frozen meals.
To find a Meals on Wheels chapter near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org or call your county’s Area Agency on Aging.
Other Resources
- Find local food pantries and other assistance with Find Help
- WhyHunger Hotline: 1-800-5486479
- PA COMPASS: 1-800-692-7462 (8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.), www.compass.state.pa.us
- PA Department of Human Services
Area Agencies on Aging
Berks County: 610-478-6500 | Website
Bucks County: 267-880-5700 | Website
Carbon County: 800-441-1315 | Website
Chester County: 610-344-6350 | Website
Cumberland County: 717-240-6110 | Website
Dauphin County: 717-780-6130 | Website
Delaware County: 610-490-1300 | Website
Lancaster County: 717-299-7979 | Website
Lebanon County: 717-273-9262 | Website
Lehigh County: 610-782-3034 | Website
Montgomery County: 610-278-3601 | Website
Northampton County: 610-829-4540 | Website
Perry County: 717-582-5128 | Website
Philadelphia County: 215-765-9000 | Website
Schuylkill County: 570-622-3103 | Website