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 better eating habits, a meal program can help.
Every day, senior nutrition programs serve almost 1 million meals to people age 60 and older. With home delivery and group meal options, you can get the food you need in a way that works best for you. They can help you avoid missing meals – and save you time and money with less shopping and cooking.
Local programs serve more than food. They also:
• Offer opportunities to connect and socialize. This improves both 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, needs, and preferences.
• Connect you with other resources like homemaker services and transportation to help you stay connected and engaged in your community.
It’s no surprise that 9 out of 10 participants say they would recommend a senior nutrition program to a friend. We know thisservice can help create healthy, strong communities where people can thrive at any age.
Find a senior nutrition program in your area and help us spread the word to your loved ones, neighbors, and community. For more information on resources for older adults, please visit eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx.
To learn more about our retirement benefits, please visit www.ssa.gov/retirement.
The Senior Nutrition Program is administered by the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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
Did you know?
Nearly 50% of seniors who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are not enrolling and using the program. All over the state tens of thousands of seniors, 60 and older, are shopping at the grocery store with the help of a Michigan Bridge Card. Single seniors receive between $16 and $192 a month in benefits to buy food. Many of them thought that they had too much money to qualify. They thought someone else needed help more than they did.
It only takes two to three minutes to answer eight questions to see if you might qualify for a Michigan Bridge Card. Even if you might not qualify for a Bridge Card, you may be eligible for help paying for Medicare and your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit. What do you have to lose by calling 877-664-2233? We can be reached Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
A little time out of your day might pay off with extra funds each week to buy your medicine, pay the utility bill, or just buy enough food so you don’t have to skip meals next month.
MiCAFE, a program of Elder Law of Michigan can be reached Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by calling 877-664-2233.