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As we grow older, accessing healthy and delicious food can be tough. Our mobility starts to decline making it hard to cook, it's more difficult to leave our homes to go to the grocery store, and our finances can limit the quality and quantity of what we are able to purchase. Caring for your nutrition doesn't have to be out of reach. Eating well is one of the best ways you can prevent premature health deterioration. So how can you meet your nutritional needs with low stress? Read on to find out.
Apply for Food Stamps
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) runs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that helps people with low income purchase food. Each month, you can get money specifically to help you buy food. This is a great option for those that want the ability to choose what food they purchase.
Find out if you are eligible for food stamps and learn how to apply HERE:
Visit a Local Food Bank
Most cities have food banks available monthly if not more often. Many of these don't have any eligibility requirements, but it does differ by location. Food banks get donations from local grocery stores and suppliers to provide you with groceries for free. This is a great option for those that are open to receiving whatever food is available - often staples like bread, meats, and canned goods.
If you're in the Walla Walla area, you can find local food banks HERE.
Otherwise, you can search for food banks in your area HERE.
Learn about Eating Healthy on a Budget
Get inspired by affordable, easy, healthy, AND delicious meals you can make yourself. There are countless resources on the internet that can help you get started. Here are some of our favorites:
Budget Bytes - recipes on a budget
Easy recipes - healthy recipes for those with little experience in the kitchen
Tips for eating well on a budget - save money while nourishing yourself
Budgeting tips - overall tips for saving money every month
Alternatively, you can visit the Walla Walla Senior Center website to sign up for our monthly newsletter and get healthy eating tips specifically for older adults!
Utilize Local Senior Services
A quick Google search can take you to tons of nutrition resources for older adults in your area. Meals on Wheels, Senior Round Tables, and similar services are widespread across the country. These programs offer meals to older adults for free or for a reduced price. If you are unable to leave your home, there is also the option to receive daily meals to your home.
The Walla Walla Senior Center operates a daily nutrition program in Walla Walla, WA. We work to serve older adults so that they can be empowered to live healthy and happy lives.
You are eligible for a free meal if you are over 60 years old and a resident of Washington State. If you are over 60 years old, a resident of Washington State AND homebound, you are eligible for a free meal delivered to your home by Meals on Wheels. To learn more or to sign up today, give us a call at (509) 527-3775 or visit our website.
We know that even having one less meal to worry about a day can make a huge difference in your life. Don't go without food - there are resources to help you. From learning budgeting tips to giving your local senior center a call, it is important to take care of your nutrition to stay healthy and independent for longer.