Food and Nutrition Resources for Low-Income Seniors: U.S. Government Agencies
Below is a carefully organized list of key U.S. government agencies and official programs that specifically provide food and nutrition support for low-income seniors. Note the the US Government is making sweeping changes to many programs and departments. So do due diligence! Each listing includes the agency name linked to its website, along with a short, 50-word description explaining its mission or services for older adults in need of food assistance.
Administration for Community Living (ACL) – acl.gov
The Administration for Community Living administers programs that support the independence, well-being, and health of older adults. Through its nutrition services funded under the Older Americans Act, ACL provides grants for congregate meals, home-delivered meals, and nutrition education tailored to low-income seniors.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – cms.gov
CMS oversees the nation’s healthcare programs, including Medicaid, which often covers meal services for eligible low-income seniors through home- and community-based services waivers. CMS also works to integrate nutrition and social determinants of health into broader healthcare initiatives for seniors.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) – fns.usda.gov/csfp
Managed by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, CSFP provides monthly packages of nutritious food to low-income seniors aged 60 and older. The program helps supplement seniors’ diets with nutrient-rich foods to improve their overall health and food security.
Eldercare Locator (Administration for Community Living) – eldercare.acl.gov
Eldercare Locator is a national service connecting older Americans and their caregivers with local resources, including food programs. Operated by the Administration for Community Living, the directory helps seniors find Meals on Wheels programs, food banks, and SNAP assistance services nearby.
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) – fns.usda.gov
The Food and Nutrition Service, part of the USDA, administers national food assistance programs, including SNAP, CSFP, and senior-focused initiatives. FNS supports nutrition access for low-income seniors through partnerships with states, nonprofits, and local agencies delivering meals and groceries.
Meals on Wheels (through Older Americans Act Title III-C) – acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services
Funded by the Older Americans Act and administered via ACL, local Meals on Wheels programs provide home-delivered meals and congregate dining options for seniors who are at nutritional risk. These services enhance health, reduce isolation, and promote independence among older adults.
National Agricultural Library: Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) – nal.usda.gov/fnic
The FNIC, part of the USDA’s National Agricultural Library, offers a wealth of resources on nutrition, food assistance programs, and healthy eating guides. Their materials help low-income seniors and caregivers understand and access programs that improve nutritional well-being.
Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP) – acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services
NSIP, administered by the Administration for Community Living, provides additional funding to states, territories, and tribal organizations to support the purchase of food for senior nutrition programs. NSIP aims to strengthen the effectiveness of congregate and home-delivered meal services for low-income seniors.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) – fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program
SFMNP provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at farmers’ markets and roadside stands. The program supports both senior nutrition and local agriculture through the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – fns.usda.gov/snap
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income individuals, including seniors, afford groceries each month. Administered by the USDA, SNAP reduces senior hunger and promotes better nutrition, with streamlined application assistance often available specifically for older adults.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – usda.gov
The USDA leads national efforts to improve food security through programs like SNAP, CSFP, and SFMNP. The department’s broad initiatives include supporting seniors’ access to healthy foods, strengthening food distribution networks, and promoting nutrition education and outreach for vulnerable older populations.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – hhs.gov
HHS oversees agencies like ACL that administer senior nutrition services. Through a wide range of health and social service programs, HHS promotes better food security and overall health for low-income older Americans, integrating nutrition into its aging and health initiatives.