It’s a SNAP! Helping Seniors Eat Right When Money Is Tight

Hello, my name is Bonnie. I want to share my story about how I found the help I needed to purchase more nutritious food.

My doctor told me that poor nutrition in seniors may cause: Muscle loss Memory loss Fatigue Depression Weak immune system Digestive, lung and heart problems And other serious ailments

She also said that due to poor nutrition I could Be diagnosed as having dementia or early Alzheimer’s Disease Have dizzy spells Fall and fracture a bone, ending up in a wheelchair or a nursing home.

My doctor informed me that a balanced diet includes: Wholesome whole grains and dairy products

A healthy diet also includes: Proteins such as: Fish/Meat Eggs Legumes Whole Grains Nuts and Seeds and Soy

And to eat lots of: Fresh fruits and a variety of different colored vegetables

She also told me to drink a lot of fresh water because: People over the age of 60 have a decreased sense of thirst leading to dehydration Much like hunger, dehydration may cause dizziness, falling, and confusion

But I don’t always have enough money to buy the foods my doctor wants me to eat. I’m on a fixed income. What can I do?

I found out about SNAP a program that helps seniors eat right when money is tight!

SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

I read about a USDA study that said that 51% of all Americans will use SNAP at sometime during their life. That makes using SNAP “A Common American Experience.”

I called Safe-Net and they told me how to find my local senior services office.

There are several ways to find a SNAP office near you: Dial Safe-Net ( ) Dial 211 from most phones Visit 211info.org211info.org Visit oregon.gov (type: “Senior Service Offices”)oregon.gov

I was surprised to find out how high my income could be and still receive SNAP. Single person: up to $1,772 per month. Two-person household: up to $2,392 per month. Three-person household: up to $3,011 per month.* * Household income $620 with each additional member.

I found out Benefit amounts vary! For a single person from $16 to $200 a month. For a couple $16 to $367 a month. You can even roll over your SNAP dollars for a year. $16 a month times 12 months = $192!

But what if I “only” get $16? So, I asked myself a couple of questions? Would I pass up $16 a month if I saw it laying in the street each month? What if my favorite grocer sent me $16 a month in coupons for nutritious food – would I throw the coupons away?

I called my local Senior Services office and talked to the receptionist to see if I might qualify. He asked me a few questions and I was given an appointment.

I found out that I did not need to go into the office. I could choose to have my interview over the phone.

If I chose to apply by phone I would need to copy my documents and mail them to my worker…

Another option would be to apply on line at the DHS website. All I needed to do was to visit And fill out their easy application form.

But I needed help right away, so I decided to meet with my worker in person.

Social Security number Identification Proof of all income Proof of out-of-pocket medical expenses I was asked to bring 4 items to my first appointment:

I met with a worker and my interview was confidential and private.

The questions she asked were easy to answer. I found out that resources such as my home, car, bank account and retirement fund did not affect my eligibility.

My worker checked to see if I qualified for other help, such as: telephone assistance medical coverage

Meals on Wheels? I found out that I can receive SNAP and still get Meals-On-Wheels delivered to my home. In fact, I found out that I can use my SNAP card to pay for my meals! This will save me even more money.

My worker told me I qualified for $93.00 a month! * *I was told that this is the average amount a senior receives.

She gave me my SNAP debit card right there at the office and a brochure that explained how to use it.

And then I went shopping!

My SNAP card can be used at most stores that sell groceries.

Checking out was easy!

I swiped my SNAP card like any debit card.

I entered my private 4 digit code…

And I was done!

I can also use my SNAP card at many Farmers’ Markets and some local farm stands.

Farmers’ Market I took my SNAP card to the information booth. I told them how much I wanted in wooden coins or tokens. The tokens are used like cash to pay food vendors.* *This process may vary with each Farmers’ Market.

I can even purchase edible plants, seeds and starts so that I can grow my own food.

I found out I qualified for Farmers’ Market vouchers. * They will help to stretch my food budget even further. Vouchers are generally issued between June and October. ** Income requirements vary.

1). SNAP benefits are put on my card at the beginning of each month. 2). I can call the number on the back of the card to find out how much SNAP money I have in my account. 3). If I don’t use all of my SNAP money each month, what’s left will remain in my account for up to one year. How my SNAP benefits work:

At 12 months I will need to reapply by either going into the office or interviewing over the phone. My worker is available if I have any questions. Maintaining SNAP is easy!

I found out by using SNAP I have helped Oregon’s economy. Last year more than $1 billion federal dollars were returned to Oregon communities. It is nice to know I’m doing my part to help local businesses and farmers.

The only question I have is - why did I wait so long..? Now, I have groceries to make myself a nutritious meal.

Helping seniors eat right when money is tight! SNAP!

More information: 211info.org Oregon.govOregon.gov(senior services) OregonHunger.org apps.state.or.us/onlineApplication/