Food Purchasing and Delivery Services for the Elderly or Disabled

The USDA is seeking applicants to participate in a yearlong nationwide special SNAP Food Purchasing and Delivery pilot program. The goal of the program is to help the federal government improve grocery access for elderly and disabled individuals who are participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP).

Currently, more than 45 million low-income Americans are supplementing their monthly food budget with food stamps. The food stamps, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, are offered by the U.S. Federal Government to any individual or household that is determined eligible.

In other words, food stamps are considered as an entitlement. Anyone who might be eligible should apply. According to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) statistics, one in five (20%) of the food stamps recipients is either elderly or disabled persons. But only 41% of all eligible elderly individuals actually applied and are getting SNAP benefits, in comparison to 85% of all individuals who are eligible.

The SNAP Food Purchasing and Delivery Pilot will be expanding access to the SNAP benefits by offering food purchasing and delivery services to the elderly and disabled individuals. The purchase and home delivery of SNAP food are expected to benefit and improve the participation of seniors living in rural areas where poverty is high.

FNS is planning to select up to twenty food purchasing and delivery services firms for the pilot program which is expected to start this summer. The SNAP Food Purchasing and Delivery Pilot program will allow food stamp participants to use their benefits online, buy groceries, and have them delivered.

The other option of the pilot will allow for the redemption of the SNAP benefits through mobile services.

For more information on How to Apply for SNAP Food Purchasing and Deliver Pilot and the Procedures for Selection visit FNS page

Sources: Press Releases, FNS, USDA