Food assistance is available
Food is essential for good health. But healthy food often comes with a high price tag. Low-cost, highly processed foods are extremely high in sodium and offer little nutritional value. If you are having trouble buying healthy food to eat, reach out to these resources for assistance.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA)
Each year, PCA serves millions of nutritious meals to older adults in community settings and at home. For more information, see article on page 4, contact the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to www.pcaCares.org.
Philadelphia food and meal finder
The City of Philadelphia maintains a database of locations to:
– Pick up supplemental food and groceries.
– Get ready-to-eat meals.
– Apply for public benefits or access social services.
For information, call 311 or go to www.phila.gov/food. Before you go, contact the site to confirm their hours and services.
Senior Food Box Program
Older adults, age 60-plus, in Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Chester counties who meet income guidelines may receive one box of food per month. The box contains fruit, vegetables, cheese, milk, juice, meat, poultry, fish, plant-based protein, cereals, pasta and rice. Except for the cheese, the food is shelf-stable and does not need refrigeration.
To apply for the Senior Food Box, contact the Share Food Program at 215-223-2220 or www.sharefoodprogram.org (click “Find Food” then “Food for Seniors.”)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, formerly called “Food Stamps,” provides monthly funds to buy groceries. It is the largest anti-hunger program in America, helping more than 41 million people annually. Eligibility depends on household size, income, age (60 or older) and disability status. To apply online, go to www.compass.dhs.pa.gov. To apply in person or for more information, contact the Philadelphia County Assistance Office Headquarters, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 801 Market St. or 215-560-7226. The PCA Helpline (215-765-9040) can also assist with SNAP enrollment.
Jewish Relief Agency (JRA)
JRA provides a monthly box of kosher pantry staples to income-eligibile households in certain Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia ZIP codes. Food boxes are available to all who qualify without regard to race, religion, national origin or other criteria. The food box will contain culturally appropriate food items for the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Purim and Passover. To apply, contact JRA at 610-660-0190 or go to https://jewishrelief.org.
