Seniors in Hillsborough County and across the U.S. have several options for obtaining food assistance, whether through government programs, nonprofit organizations, or local services. Here’s how seniors can access food:
1. Government Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Provides monthly financial assistance for purchasing groceries.
Eligible seniors receive an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card to buy food at authorized stores.
How to Apply:
Online: ACCESS Florida
Phone: 1-866-762-2237
Local Department of Children & Families (DCF) Office
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Offers free food to low-income seniors through local food pantries.
Seniors should contact local food banks to find distribution locations.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Provides free monthly food packages to low-income seniors (60+ years old).
How to Apply:
Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Website: FDACS - CSFP
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
Provides vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets.
How to Apply: Contact the Hillsborough County Aging Services or local senior centers.
2. Local Food Assistance in Hillsborough County
Meals on Wheels of Tampa
Delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors.
How to Apply:
Website: Meals on Wheels Tampa
Phone: (813) 238-8410
Hillsborough County Aging Services – Senior Dining & Meal Sites
Provides free or low-cost congregate meals at local senior centers.
How to Apply:
Website: Hillsborough County Aging Services
Phone: (813) 272-5250
Feeding Tampa Bay
Operates food pantries and mobile food distribution sites throughout Hillsborough County.
How to Apply:
Website: Feeding Tampa Bay
Phone: (813) 254-1190
Metropolitan Ministries
Offers emergency food assistance for seniors and families in need.
How to Apply:
Website: Metropolitan Ministries
Phone: (813) 209-1200
Salvation Army – Food Pantries
Provides emergency food boxes for seniors.
How to Apply:
Website: Salvation Army Tampa
Phone: (813) 549-0641
Tampa Jewish Family Services – Community Food Bank
Offers monthly food distributions for seniors in need.
How to Apply:
Website: Tampa Jewish Family Services
Phone: (813) 960-1848
3. Home-Delivered & Special Meal Programs
Sunshine Line - Hillsborough County
Provides free or low-cost transportation to food pantries, grocery stores, and meal sites for eligible seniors.
How to Apply:
Website: Sunshine Line
Phone: (813) 272-7272
Food for Seniors with Medical Conditions
Medically Tailored Meals: Some programs, like Meals on Wheels, provide customized meals for seniors with dietary restrictions.
Community Health Clinics: Some health programs provide free meals for seniors with chronic illnesses (check with Tampa Family Health Centers).
4. Faith-Based & Community Programs
Many local churches, mosques, and temples operate food pantries and meal programs. Some to check in Hillsborough County:
St. Vincent de Paul Society – Offers food pantries and financial assistance for food.
Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg – Provides emergency food boxes.
Local United Way (Dial 211) – Can help connect seniors to meal assistance programs.
5. Grocery & Food Delivery Services for Seniors
For seniors who can afford groceries but need delivery assistance, there are programs that offer free or low-cost delivery:
Instacart Senior Support Service – Grocery delivery with a senior-friendly ordering system.
Amazon Fresh & Walmart+ – Online grocery delivery, sometimes with discounts for seniors.
Local Volunteer Groups – Some nonprofit groups (e.g., Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay) offer volunteers to help seniors shop for groceries.
How to Get Help Today
Call 211 – Free referral service to find the nearest food assistance program.
Contact Hillsborough County Aging Services – (813) 272-5250
Visit a local food pantry or senior meal site (check Feeding Tampa Bay for locations).
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