Struggling to Afford Groceries? Here’s Where Older Americans Can Get Help This Holiday Season

Shelbi Schadendorf, communications manager at the Open Door pantry in Eagan, Minnesota, says her team has seen increased need this season, especially when the government shutdown delayed SNAP. 

Some residents found themselves needing food assistance for the first time. But Schadendorf has a message for anyone looking for support: “Everyone needs help sometimes in their life. It’s OK to ask for help, and there are people who want to help.” ​​Each food pantry runs differently. Some hand out food, while others are structured more like a market, allowing you to browse the shelves. You may not need to show proof of need, and some even offer drive-through distributions.

Staffers also recommend bringing your own bag if you can, as your local pantry might run out, and checking the hours ahead of time because they may fluctuate with holidays and the availability of food.

“Everybody deserves to have nutritious food and walk in with dignity,” says Dana DiMarco, chief philanthropy officer of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “I think a lot of people would be surprised at how many folks are in this situation.”

The AARP Foundation’s local assistance directory can help you find resources where you live. Feeding America has a directory of all its member food banks here.

‘Buy Nothing’ and neighborhood Facebook groups

In October, Brooke Tansley of Nashville, Tennessee, saw news coverage of food assistance cuts that were affecting members of her city. She didn’t have a lot of extra time or money to spare, but she wanted to do something to help her neighbors. So she took to her neighborhood Facebook page and posted a callout for “grocery buddies.”

In just a few days, and hundreds of comments later, the page became a friendly forum for those in need to get matched with someone local who can sponsor their groceries, offer transport to the supermarket or provide gift cards.

Similar posts have appeared in other states, with some residents turning to local “Buy Nothing” groups to share home-cooked meals. Others have set up donation spots on their front stoops, collecting food from neighbors for a large drop-off.

Tansley encourages those with access to social media to join similar groups and chime in if they can offer help or if they need help. Caregivers can post on behalf of family members who may not have access to a reliable internet connection.

“My hope is that more neighborhoods, more towns and more communities are going to adopt this buddy system,” she says.

Senior centers

Depending on where you live, your agency on aging or senior center may offer free or reduced-cost meals. ​

​Menus are often curated especially for older adults by nutritionists and incorporate nutrient-dense ingredients. ​

​Meals may be prepared and eaten in a group setting certain times of the week. Note that some might require reservations in advance.

The best way to find a meal program near you is to call or search online for your local senior center or department of aging. Signing up for the agency’s newsletter, if one is available, can help you get alerts about upcoming dining hours and offerings.

Other resources

To find retailers that accept SNAP near you, browse the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s lookup tool here.

DoorDash, an online delivery service, announced that it will waive delivery and service fees for SNAP recipients in November.

Customers who link their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards to their DoorDash profile can shop at select grocery retailers and get free delivery on an order.