You’re not alone: Food Help for Seniors & Disabled Adults During Uncertain Times
- Patsy Henson
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Hello Friends,
At Personal Care Calling, we know many seniors and adults living with disabilities may be feeling worried right now. You may have heard about possible delays or interruptions in monthly food-assistance benefits (via EBT cards), and you might be asking: What happens next? What do I do? The good news is: there are other programs and resources available — and we want you to know: you’re not forgotten, help is still here, and together we will get through this.
What’s happening
One of the major federal food-assistance programs is facing uncertainty. While that creates real anxiety, it does not mean that all help has stopped. It means it’s more important than ever to know your options.
Other programs you should know about
Here are key food & nutrition programs you (or a loved one) may qualify for, including ones often overlooked:
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) — this helps low-income seniors (age 60+) access locally grown produce, honey, herbs, etc., through coupons or vouchers. Food and Nutrition Service+2USAGov+2
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) — provides a monthly package of nutritious foods to low-income older adults (60+). Food and Nutrition Service+2Feeding Florida+2
More general assistance: For example, the USA.gov portal lists senior food programs and helps you check eligibility. USAGov
Community/charity & local support organizations: These often provide meal delivery, food boxes, senior pantry programs, etc.
Florida & Central Florida — local support you can access
Since our nonprofit is based in Florida (and we serve clients across the state, including Central Florida), here are some state-specific programs and resources you should know about:
The Florida Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program supports eligible seniors (60+) in select counties with fresh locally grown produce bundles or coupons. DOEA
The Florida Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides monthly food boxes of nutritious items to older adults (60+) with incomes below certain guidelines. BenefitsCheckUp+1
The program Fresh Access Bucks in Florida boosts the buying power of SNAP EBT users when purchasing Florida-grown fruits and vegetables at participating markets. Feeding Florida
The state’s Florida Department of Elder Affairs provides information & referral services for seniors, including a statewide Helpline at 1-800-963-5337. DOEA
If you live in the Central Florida region (for instance, Orlando-area, Polk, Osceola, Brevard, Seminole counties), please check your county’s Area Agency on Aging or senior services department for local distribution sites (especially for CSFP boxes or farmers-market vouchers) — these programs sometimes vary by county.
Where to find help in your community (anywhere in the U.S.)
One of the most effective tools is the national referral network:
Visit findhelp.org (formerly Aunt Bertha), you can enter your ZIP code and search for “food assistance,” “senior food programs,” or “meal delivery for homebound seniors,” and get a list of agencies near you offering help.
If you have mobility challenges, live alone, or are homebound, ask: Do they deliver food or provide mobile pantry service? Many do.
What you can do right now
If you currently receive SNAP (or EBT) benefits: check your balance, plan ahead, and look into supplemental programs as backup.
If you’re age 60+ or have a disability: explore SFMNP and CSFP in your state now, as applications may have limited spots or special distribution windows.
Use findhelp.org and your local area agency on aging to research “meal delivery,” “senior food box program,” or “home-delivered meals.”
If you’re in Florida (especially Central Florida), contact your county’s senior services or the Florida Department of Elder Affairs Helpline (1-800-963-5337) to ask about local distribution sites for CSFP and farmers-market vouchers.
Reach out to us at Personal Care Calling if you feel anxious, uncertain, or don’t know where to start — we’re here to listen, help walk through options, and support you.
A message of hope
We know this is a stressful time. But please remember:
You are not alone. Many organizations are working to support seniors and disabled adults — locally, statewide, nationally.
Other programs still exist even if one benefit is delayed. The presence of these alternatives means you do have options.
It’s okay to ask for help. Needing assistance is not a sign of weakness — it’s a smart step.
Stay connected to your community, whether that’s a neighbor, a senior center, a faith group, or a volunteer from our nonprofit — connection helps reduce isolation and increases the likelihood of getting help when needed.
Have faith and hope. You’ve built a lifetime of strength and resilience. Even when things change, your worth and dignity remain. Your well-being matters.
With care and support,
The team at Personal Care Calling Services (because every senior and every adult with a disability deserves comfort, connection, and support).
Here is a PDF document checklist of Central Florida food services and other resources: