Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Clearing the Myths: Simplifying SNAP Benefits to Fight Senior Hunger

The latest federal numbers show that about 8.7 million U.S. households, with at least one adult older than 50, participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). (Adobe Stock)

WASHINGTON — Hunger doesn’t retire, yet millions of older Americans struggling to afford food may not realize help is within reach.

Misconceptions and stigma often prevent eligible seniors from accessing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the nation’s largest anti-hunger initiative.

However, with simplified application processes and renewed outreach efforts, advocates are working to break down these barriers and connect seniors with the support they need.

Norm Gold — a consultant with Feeding America and an AARP community ambassador — highlighted these challenges and the importance of outreach.

“If it’s too much of a pain for them to do it, they don’t,” said Gold. “Most seniors don’t want to have to deal with it, honestly, I’m one of them, I’ll be 70, and that’s just the way older people are. To make it easy, that’s why they’ve got the simplified application. That’s what’s made it much easier for them. ”

Brian Jacks is associate state director for community outreach at AARP Virginia. He emphasized the benefits of clearing out misconceptions to help encourage more seniors to apply.

“Number one, SNAP is not just for families with children,” said Jacks. “Any adult of any age who meets the income requirements is eligible. Secondly, your participation in SNAP will not take the benefit from anyone else who needs it.”

To encourage participation, AARP Virginia has worked with food banks and community ambassadors to conduct outreach through health fairs and festivals, distributing materials highlighting SNAP benefits.

People can call 211 to connect with local resources for direct assistance with accessing SNAP benefits.

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