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Programs Providing Meal Services
All NJ counties have community programs, that provide meals to
person's age 60 and older. These include congregate or group meals,
as well as meals for the homebound. Many of these programs are federally
funded, with meals being available for a "suggested contribution."
Other meal programs are funded primarily by private sector volunteer
organizations. For these meal programs, a fee, usually based on
the actual costs of the service, is charged.
Congregate or Group Meals
This service, administered by the Area Agencies on Aging in each
county, provides at least one hot nutritious meal per day, five
or more days per week. These meals, along with counseling, socialization,
and other services, are usually provided in locations such as senior
centers, schools, or churches. The program is available to all persons
age 60 or over and their spouses, regardless of age. Participants
are provided with an opportunity to voluntarily contribute whatever
they can afford toward the cost of these meals. Reservations are
required, in most instances, 24 hours in advance.
Home-Delivered Meals
The Area Agencies on Aging, through grantees, provide one (or
sometimes more) hot meal a day at least five days per week to older
persons who are homebound due to illness, incapacitating disability,
or isolation. This program is federally funded and serves only persons
age 60 or older. A meal may be provided to the spouse, if it is
in the best interest of the homebound older person being served.
This federal program has been supplemented with state legislation
providing nutrition services on weekends and holidays for frail
eligible participants. A formal needs assessment is required for
participation in these nutrition programs; however, there is no
strict income requirement.
Privately Funded Programs
In addition to the home-delivered meal programs, which are federally/state
funded, there are privately funded programs sponsored by churches
and various civic organizations, which offer meals to the disabled,
the isolated, the temporarily ill shut-ins, and others in need.
Additional Information - Further information
and referral to the designated meal programs and services is available
from the Area Agencies on Aging or call Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) toll-free at 1-877-222-3737.
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Food Stamp Program
The contact information will be placed at the end of the section on SNAS. It is funded by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture and administered in New Jersey by the NJ Department of Human
Services, Division of Family Development. Eligibility for Food Stamp
benefits is based on the number of people in a household, their
income and resources. A household can be an individual, a traditional
family, or a group of unrelated people who live together and customarily
purchase food and prepare meals together. People at least 60 years
of age and those receiving Social Security Disability benefits may
apply as separate households independently of the other people they
are living with. Food Stamp benefits are administered to eligible
recipients through use of the "Families First" card. To apply for Food Stamp
benefits, contact your local Board of Social Services/County Welfare
Agency to obtain an application and schedule an interview or call the Hotline 1-800-687-9512.
Food Stamp Benefits
The Food Stamp Program, known in New Jersey as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), is a nutrition program that is designed to increase the food purchasing power of low‑income households.
Simplified Nutritional Assistance for Seniors (SNAS) Program
The Simplified Nutritional Assistance for Seniors (SNAS) Program provides outreach to elderly residents receiving SSI benefits making it easier for those individuals to apply for food stamp benefits. Many individuals, who previously may have been either physically unable to apply in person, had concerns regarding the complexity of the program, or simply felt uncomfortable applying at the agency, will now be able to apply for food stamp benefits by mailing a signed application to the county agency.
The SSI recipients will be mailed an application form with a return envelope. Interested applicants must sign the application and return to the County Welfare Agency (CWA). Applications will be processed without a face-to-face or telephone interview.
Applicants who do not wish to participate may opt out of SNAS and may apply for food stamp benefits under the regular Food Stamp Program.
Applications ‑ To apply for Food Stamp benefits, contact your local Board of Social Services/County Welfare
Agency to obtain an application and schedule an interview.
Food Stamp Information‑ Food Stamp Hotline: 1-800-687-9512.
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