Northhampton News

The Senior Food Box Program is feeding 20% more senior residents now than it was this time last year, thanks to the efforts of Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA).

More than 300,000 Pennsylvania residents are eligible for food assistance, but only 28,000 received it as of May 2021, according to a news release from Wolf's office. The program was nearly drastically cut because senior citizens were not taking advantage of it. 

The Wolf administration has made it a priority to get information out to seniors about the benefits they are eligible for.

"Fighting hunger has been a top priority for Frances and me from day one," Wolf said in the news release. "I'm incredibly proud of the work that the Departments of Agriculture and Aging have done to revitalize this program that ensures our older Pennsylvanians don't have to choose between paying for utilities or putting food on the table."

The state's Department of Agriculture (PDA) administers the Senior Food Box Program, in conjunction with Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, the news release noted. The department changed the name from Commodity Supplemental Food Program to Senior Food Box Program "to better relate to its beneficiaries." It also took other actions to help seniors become aware of the assistance that is offered.

These actions included removing income verification requirements and transitioning to a self-declaration of eligibility, according to the news release. First Lady Frances Wolf held a listening session and heard recommendations from people who receive a food box. The PDA partnered with DoorDash to offer free monthly delivery of food boxes in 15 counties across the state. The PDA also partnered with the Department of Aging and the PACE prescription assistance program call center to contact and enroll seniors in the program; so far, PACE has processed more than 20,000 applications.

"Access to nutritional foods for older adults is critical to help support their health, well-being, and independence," Robert Torres, secretary of the state's Department of Aging, said in the news release. "The Department of Aging's partnership with the Department of Agriculture is utilizing the PACE Program's call center operation and a facilitated application process that make[s] it easy for seniors who are enrolled in PACE to take advantage of other programs for which they may also be eligible, like the Senior Food Box.

"People call PACE because they know they get to talk with someone who cares and who will help them. By working together with our state and community partners, we are helping more older adults overcome challenges with food insecurity and healthy eating."

Russell Redding, secretary of agriculture, said he is proud that the PDA is making progress for senior citizens in Pennsylvania.

“One hungry older Pennsylvanian is one too many," Redding said in the news release. "Through valued partnerships, we're working towards an ultimate goal of eliminating hunger ... The Senior Food Box Program is now more accessible, thanks to a rebranding and new partnerships. I hope that with easier access to reliable food on the table, we’re taking stress off the table."