Elder Law of Michigan

STAY HEALTHY AND INDEPENDENT WITH THE SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

Are you eligible for Social Security retirement benefits or already receiving them?  Did you know that you can also receive healthy meals and other nutrition services through the National Senior Nutrition Program?  Local meal programs in communities across the country are waiting to serve you.

As we age, we have different needs, different ways we take care of our health, and different nutrients we need to get from our food.  But we don’t always have enough healthy food or the desire to prepare or eat a meal.  Whether you need more food, healthier food, someone to share a meal with, or just want to learn about good eating habits, a meal program can help.

Every day, senior nutrition programs serve almost one million meals to people age 60 and older.  With home-delivered and group meal options, you can get the food you need in a way that works best for you.  Senior nutrition programs can:

  • Help you avoid missed meals – and save time and money with less shopping and cooking.
  • Offer opportunities to connect and socialize, which can help improve your mental and physical health.
  • Teach you how to create a healthy eating plan.  You can learn about healthy food recommendations based on your age, unique needs, and preferences.
  • Connect you with other resources like transportation or homemaker services.  This helps you stay connected and engaged in your community.

It’s no surprise that 9 out of 10 participants would recommend a senior nutrition program to a friend.  Find a senior nutrition program in your area and help us spread the word by sharing it with your loved ones, neighbors, and community.  Visit eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx for more information.

The Senior Nutrition Program is administered by the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

If you live in Michigan, when times are difficult, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the complexities of an ever-changing benefits system. Michigan’s Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly (MiCAFE) is a network of navigators and community partners, working to overcome accessibility barriers to state benefits for Older adults. Our MiCAFE navigators are here to help guide you through the process and alleviate some of that stress. When you call our toll free number, 877.664.2233, you’ll be connected with a real person, not an endless series of automated prompts or an hours-long wait time. If you’d prefer to work with someone in person, we have Community Partners statewide who can address your needs. We’re here to help.

 

Hillary Hatch is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at hillary.hatch@ssa.gov