In late September, Laura Borth reached out to two aging organizations who assist older adults with SNAP (or SNAP applications). These are the stories of two older New Yorkers who rely upon SNAP benefits.
For more than 25 years, I was a proud business owner in Buffalo, NY. As the operator of a home and office cleaning service, you had to be willing to roll up your sleeves and put in the hard work. Days off and vacations were few, yet I loved what I did. Then the pandemic struck, and my world came crashing down. Like many, COVID forced me to shutter my business. It was one of many changes I had to make, including moving into a smaller apartment and reining in my finances.
Grocery shopping became a special source of anxiety. Noodles were cheap, and I found myself steering my cart toward the pasta aisle again and again. I avoided expensive departments like meat and produce. My quality of life greatly diminished. At 65 years old, I felt humiliated that my life had come to this. But I knew I had to humble myself and reach out for help.
I called FeedMore WNY—our local food bank and hunger-relief organization. They were kind and nonjudgemental; for the first time in a long time, I felt my guards come down. FeedMore WNY helped me establish a relationship with my neighborhood food pantry and enroll me in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). I couldn’t believe how easy it was to enroll with their help—and how much SNAP would come to change my life.
‘SNAP was the tool I needed to regain control of my life.’
With SNAP, I shop with confidence at the grocery store and the farmer’s market. I fill my basket with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables—ruby strawberries, gorgeous yellow pears, green beans and vibrant cucumbers. Thanks to New York State’s Double Up Food Bucks program that matches fruit and vegetable SNAP purchases, I can afford to get creative with my cooking. This week I picked up San Marzano tomatoes and a carton of mushrooms to make a homemade sauce. I can’t wait to try it.
Once I could afford to add healthier, varied meals back into my diet, the health benefits followed. My high blood pressure is under control and I lowered my bad cholesterol. What’s more—I have the energy to exercise again. I lift weights and am joining a Silver Sneakers program.
Today I went to our local cooperative market—a place I was always too worried to set foot in before receiving SNAP. With a swipe of my EBT card, I was able to purchase a salad, hard-boiled eggs and Kombucha for lunch. I feel proud of my food choices, and I don’t crave the processed food anymore.
When I first reached out for food assistance, I felt that I had lost my agency. SNAP was the tool I needed to regain control of my life. I no longer feel ashamed, and I understand that my situation is not one of personal failure. Before, I was just trying to make sure I had enough to eat. SNAP makes it possible for me to afford nutritious foods and it has improved my health.
You can say I have become an advocate for SNAP. After it changed my life, I encouraged my niece and my sister, along with my mother-in-law, to enroll. To my peers reading this who may be in the position I was in: I urge you to reach out for help. You are deserving.
Barbara S. is a SNAP participant in Buffalo, NY.
Across the state in Montgomery County, an older gentleman “Tom” has been working with NY Connects to help him complete his SNAP benefits application.
I’m 83 years old and live alone. After my wife passed away recently, I lost a considerable amount of income and experienced depravation and economic troubles. I felt like I was in dire straits and couldn’t afford anything, especially food. I’m able to cover most of my food with my SNAP benefits and feel I can follow a healthy diet. Since most places take the EBT card now, I have access to a variety of stores and the quality of foods available are fantastic.
There is no stigma attached to using SNAP and there is no psychological cost. If I did not have SNAP, I would have to rely on food pantries and handouts or go hungry. Since I have a very low-income my insurance plan pays me extra money per month to buy non-food items. Between the two programs, I am able to meet many of my needs.
Tom is a SNAP participant in Montgomery County, NY.
Laura Borth is policy director at Matz, Blancato and Associates in Washington, DC.
Photo credit: Shutterstock/Candle photo
