The nutrition program is designed to help seniors adjust to the reduction in SNAP benefits

PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Facing Hunger Foodbank offers a program aimed at helping seniors eat nutritious foods called the Senior Box Program.

With the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) shutting down in early March, this program is more important than ever, according to Foodbank.

It’s a box filled with essential groceries like meat, cheese and fruit that will be given out to seniors who qualify. It aims to help seniors find the nutrition they need for a healthy lifestyle.

“We’re doing this because there is such a high level of food insecurity in Putnam County,” said Tanya McComas of the Facing Hunger Food Bank.

“Since the SNAP benefits date back to pre-COVID times, we’re just trying to spread the word that this program is available, even though the cost of groceries hasn’t come down,” she said.

Frances Sidars is grateful for the Senior Box program, especially with the elimination of the additional SNAP benefits.

“For people, seniors, on a fixed income, it’s really handy,” she said. “Cutting SNAP harms seniors and people of all ages who just don’t have the money to eat otherwise.”

McComas said they expect food insecurity across the region to increase in the coming months as supplemental benefit payments end.

Copyright 2023 WSAZ. All rights reserved.