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Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023
2/5/2024, 11:45 AM
Summary of Bill HR 3474
One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a grant program that would provide funding to organizations and agencies that work to address senior hunger. These grants would be used to support initiatives such as meal delivery services, food banks, and nutrition education programs targeted specifically at seniors.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve access to nutritious food for seniors, particularly those living in rural or underserved areas. This could include funding for transportation services to help seniors get to grocery stores or farmers markets, as well as support for community gardens and other initiatives that increase access to fresh, healthy food. The Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023 also aims to raise awareness about the issue of senior hunger and the resources available to help address it. This could include public education campaigns, outreach to healthcare providers, and other efforts to ensure that seniors and their families are aware of the support available to them. Overall, the bill represents a bipartisan effort to address a pressing issue facing many older Americans. By providing funding and support for programs that help prevent and alleviate senior hunger, the legislation aims to improve the health and well-being of seniors across the country.
Congressional Summary of HR 3474
Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023
This bill modifies and expands nutrition programs for older adults and adults with disabilities, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).
Under the bill, a household's eligibility for SNAP benefits may be certified for 36 months if all adult household members are elderly or disabled, an increase from 24 months. The bill also expands the SNAP medical expense deduction.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish an elderly simplified application program (ESAP). Under ESAP, a state may implement a streamlined SNAP application and certification process for households where all adult household members are elderly or disabled and have no earned income.
The bill also directs USDA to authorize public-private partnerships between USDA, retail food stores participating in SNAP, and community-based organizations to provide free or low-cost food delivery under SNAP, including through the use of private funds.
Further, the bill reauthorizes CSFP, provides additional funding for the program, and expands eligibility to include low-income adults with disabilities. CSFP benefits may also be certified for 36 months. Currently, benefits may be certified for not less than one year, but not more than three years.
The bill also expands eligibility for the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) to include adults with disabilities, provide a 36-month certification period, and include minimum and maximum benefit amounts.
Under the bill, USDA must also establish various grant programs; for example, USDA must establish grant programs to modernize SFMNP operations and establish new farmers' markets.
