Stay Healthy and Independent with the Senior Nutrition Program
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: December 12, 2022
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 just want to learn about good eating habits, a meal program can help.
Every day, senior nutrition programs serve almost one million meals to people age 60 and older. With home-delivered and group meal options, you can get the food you need in a way that works best for you. It can help you avoid missed meals – and save you time and money with less shopping and cooking.
Local programs serve up more than food — they offer opportunities to connect and socialize. We know this improves both your mental and physical health.
The programs can also teach you how to create a healthy eating plan. You can learn about healthy food recommendations based on your age, unique needs, and preferences.
A senior nutrition program can also connect you with other resources like transportation or homemaker services. This helps 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 these services help create healthy, strong communities where everyone can thrive at any age. Please watch our video – created for the national program’s 50th anniversary – to hear how the program makes a difference.
Find a senior nutrition program in your area and help us spread the word about this program by sharing it with your loved ones, neighbors, and community.
The Senior Nutrition Program is administered by the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Tags: retirement, retirement benefits, social security, Social Security benefits
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Paulette
I had a stroke at the end of 2019. Had an appt with the ssa six months later. They said i can return to work at 63 yrs. Just know that 6 months is not enough to be evaluated. Different symptoms can return later and you are left in the cold. These docs dont see yuor feelings. I know why people fight.
Kristi W.
Hi. I haven’t started receiving my benefits yet I will be 66 in April and 66 in six months in October. My question is when I inquired about what my ex husband would make. If it was more than what I will make on Social Security I was told mine is more, but I never saw any papers or any numbers, am I able to get the papers and numbers of his Social Security benefits I’d like to see for myself. Thank you.
A.C.
Hi, Kristi. Thanks for visiting our blog. Social Security takes protecting the public’s personal information very seriously. To protect your ex-husband’s privacy, the Privacy Act prohibits Federal agencies from disclosing personal information without consent. For more information, please visit here. We hope this helps.
Gloria I.
I applied by 62 years of age out of necessity, becuase I was sick and could not get a job.
Since I applied before my retirement age, the Social Security eats a good chunk out of my benefits. I thought that now that I am 66 years of age, my benefits came back to normal. But sadly I just learned that is not the case, that I will be receiving the same payment all my life.
It is like the Social Security punished me for applying early our of necessity. Can I fight this legally? Nobody ever told me that.
Gina F.
Gloria, from what I understand, the earlier you take Social Security, the smaller your payments because SSA has to stretch out your money to pay out your remaining lifetime. (I don’t work for SSA, so I may be incorrect, but you may qualify for disability if you had to retire due to illness. Hopefully, they will respond to you soon with other options.
Ali.j
Hello,
When i turned to 62, i started to get my social security payments each month! But i realy need to make more than what i earn especially now since after they take out money for medicare from my social security! it leaves me little over six hundreds. is there anything i can do to get more?
thanks
A.C.
Hi, Ali. Thanks for visiting our blog. In some cases, your state may help you pay for Medicare premiums. You may also qualify for Extra Help to pay for your Medicare prescription drug coverage. For more information about both, please visit here. Finally, you may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.
Visaghan
This is a great information
Lorna
I’ve been Married for almost . We divorced almost 12 years. I’m on Disability Benefits from Social Security. My Ex is 64 soon to be 65. He is still working, makes good money.
My only income is my disability . I’m a very sickly person . I have surgeries coming up soon.. I have Lupus, Fibromyalgia, had Cancer twice.. recently having TIA’a. Small attacks.
I’d like to know , even if my ex-husband hasn’t retired yet. Can I collect from his Social security now? If so what do I need to do .thank you
A.C.
Hi, Lorna. We are sorry to hear about your condition and situation. To be eligible for divorced spouse benefits, you had to be married to your former spouse for at least 10 years, be at least age 62, and you cannot be eligible for a higher benefit on your own record. For more information on how to qualify for divorced spouse benefits, visit our Benefits Planner. We hope this helps.