Currently, more than a half million poor elderly individuals
receive assistance from the Commodity Supplemental Food Program in the
form of boxed meals that include a mix of nutritious foods such as
cereals, pasta, peanut butter, vegetables and fruit. Volunteers
deliver these meals directly to homes of those who qualify or boxes may
be delivered to area senior centers, churches, and other facilities
that support the needs of low-income senior citizens.
The article points out that, after the elimination of the program,
those who were receiving the meals will be switched to the federal food
stamp program. Critics are alarmed by this change, noting that
many elderly people will be reluctant to sign up for the food stamps
and that the food stamp programs will not be able to provide the same
quality of nutrition that these elderly citizens now receive via the
boxed meals.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program is nearly 40 years old and
reaches seniors in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Its
lack of use in the other 18 states is why the USDA plans to cut the
program, Frommer notes. They believe the community will be better
served by a program that is nationwide.
However, note opponents, many seniors are put off by the stigma
attached to using food stamps to purchase items at the local grocery
store or will refuse to hassle with the paperwork involved in applying
for food stamps.
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