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Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Aging Secretary Robert Torres recently highlighted a successful rebrand of the PA Senior Food Box Program in 2021, formally known as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
Since taking steps to improve access to and awareness of the program, more than 7,100 new seniors have enrolled.
“Not being able to serve Pennsylvania’s seniors in need of food assistance was not an option,” said Redding. “I want to see every one of our eligible seniors in Pennsylvania have access to nutritious food; it’s their right.”
Key to the effort is a partnership between the departments of Agriculture and Aging that has enabled the Department of Aging’s PACE pharmaceutical assistance program to conduct outreach to its enrollees who may also be eligible for the Senior Food Box Program.
The Pennsylvania Senior Food Box is a product of the federally funded, state-administered Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
It works to improve the health of low-income seniors by providing a supplement to groceries of a variety of nutritious, shelf-stable products, including shelf-stable fluid milk, juice, ready-to-eat cereal, rice, pasta, dry beans, peanut butter, canned meat, poultry, fish, and canned fruits and vegetables.
It is administered by Hunger-Free Pennsylvania through their network of 17 food banks. Once signed up, eligible seniors can choose to receive their monthly box via pickup, drive-thru, or delivery from a program partner, including senior apartment complexes, senior community centers, and food pantries.
In Pennsylvania, eligible participants for the Pennsylvania Senior Food Box Program include low-income individuals who are at least 60 years old and whose household income is at or below 130% of the U.S. poverty level.
To apply, seniors may call (800) 468-2433 to be directed to the regional food bank distributing the Senior Food Box in their county. Or go online at agriculture.pa.gov/seniorfoodbox and fill out the Senior Food Box Application Form.