Senior Nutrition Programs Champion Food Security for Aging Residents
Jackson, MS – In celebration of National Nutrition Month, the Mississippi Department of Human Services Senior Nutrition Program is taking proactive measures to ensure that Mississippians aged 60 and older can access essential services that promote socialization, nutrition, and overall well-being.
“Our Senior Nutrition Programs prioritize the well-being of Mississippi’s seniors, tackling the pressing issue of food insecurity head-on. With a focus on personal responsibility and community support, we are dedicated to delivering nutritious meals and fostering vital social connections,” stated Robert G. (Bob) Anderson, Executive Director, Mississippi Department of Human Services. “Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our aging residents, ensuring they have the nourishment necessary to thrive.”
With the aim of combating hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition among older individuals, the Senior Nutrition Program, administered through the agency’s Division of Aging and Adult Services, offers a range of options for seniors across the state.
Home-delivered meals are available for eligible homebound individuals, providing nourishment directly to their doorsteps. These meals are a lifeline for those who cannot leave their homes due to various circumstances.
Congregate meal locations in community settings such as senior centers, churches, and senior housing communities serve as hubs for social interaction and engagement. Here, older adults can enjoy nutritious meals while forming meaningful connections with peers.
The Senior Nutrition Program operates in all 82 counties of Mississippi through the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). To find the AAA in your county and access these vital services, please visit the Division of Aging and Adult Services page on the Mississippi Department of Human Services website Division of Aging & Adult Services – Mississippi Department of Human Services (ms.gov)
In addition to the Senior Nutrition Program, the Mississippi Department of Human Services offers the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provides emergency food and nutrition assistance to older Mississippians at no cost. The department supplies food to local food banks, distributing the items to over 500 food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters statewide.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) streamlines the application process for seniors. By matching data with other government systems, the program enables eligibility workers to verify applicant information without burdensome paperwork. Once an application is deemed eligible for ESAP, it is expedited through the process.
ESAP households do not have a fixed certification period but are required to submit an annual interim report to report any changes in household income or size. To determine eligibility for SNAP benefits or to apply, please visit the Check Eligibility page on the Access MS website Mississippi Common Web Portal (ms.gov) .
The Senior Nutrition Programs ensure that aging Mississippians have access to the nutrition they need for a healthy and fulfilling life. Together, these initiatives aim to alleviate food insecurity, promote social engagement, and enhance the well-being of older individuals throughout the state.
Please visit our website to discover additional resources and services provided by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. You can access the Services section of the Mississippi Department of Human Services website for more information: Services – Mississippi Department of Human Services (ms.gov).