The money funds the SNAP Stretch program, which boosts food assistance for recipients of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program when they buy groceries at farmers markets, farm stands and other outlets that support local agriculture. Participants receive an additional $1 in SNAP Stretch for every SNAP dollar spent, but adults 60-plus get an additional $2 and grandparents raising grandchildren get an additional $3.

State Sen. Ben Queen (R-Bridgeport), who championed the program, says the win-win-win element of it—supporting older adults, local markets and the state’s farmers—brought other lawmakers and the governor on board.

“It’s local cooks, it’s local farmers, it’s local produce, it’s local opportunities,” he says. “A lot of my colleagues, no matter where they are politically, are willing to admit that we have people that need help and it’s our responsibility to help them.”

Nationally, 10.4 percent of adults 50-plus—or 12.6 million people—faced food insecurity in 2023, the highest share in nearly a decade, according to AARP research. In West Virginia, that figure was nearly 9 percent of the 50-plus population.

The West Virginia bill, signed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) as part of the fiscal year 2026 budget, added the funding as a new line item—enshrining the program and making it harder to cut in the future.

Farmers and farmers markets were some of the strongest backers of the increase. The extra funding for the program kicked in July 1. More at aarp.org/wv. —Elaine S. Povich

Boosting livability Four Delaware nonprofits received 2025 AARP Community Challenge grants totaling $37,500 to help fund quick-turnaround projects aimed at making communities more livable.

The Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover will use its $12,500 grant to fund programs that highlight an installation of five kinetic sculptures in downtown’s historic green space. The sculptures blend natural movement, color and fixed structures into mesmerizing displays.

Sandra K. James, deputy director of the museum, says the museum will use the money to host workshops, talks, and walking and bus tours. The sculptures, by artist Paul Daniel, are on display through Sunday, Nov. 2.

Other grants went to:

▶ Friends of White Clay Creek State Park, to install two accessible benches along the trails. They will provide resting spots for people with mobility limitations.

▶ Food Bank of Delaware, to pay for outdoor speakers in the group’s public gardens in Milford and Newark. The sound systems will enhance inclusivity and communication and allow the food bank to play music for visitors.

▶ Bethany Beach Landowners Association, to host a disaster preparedness planning event. The goal is to enlist experts and local officials to craft action plans and checklists for distribution and community trainings.

Cast your ballot New Jersey voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to elect the next governor and General Assembly.

The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, Oct. 14. For information on how to register, apply for a mail-in ballot or find your polling place, visit nj.gov/state/elections/vote.shtml. For more voting resources, visit aarp.org/njvotes. —ESP