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Food and nutritional help Overview The Oregon Department of Human Services has a variety of programs to help qualified seniors and people with disabilities meet their basic needs. Eligibility for these programs are based on financial and non-financial eligibility requirements. To help determine whether you may be eligible, and for more information, please link to the one of the following programs listed below.
Food Stamps The Food Stamp Program is a federal nutrition program. The Program’s laws and regulations are based on the Food Stamp Act passed by Congress in 1977.
The intent of the Program is to help improve the health and well being of low-income households and individuals by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs. People do not need to be destitute to qualify for food stamps. The eligibility determination and issuance of benefits are provided through DHS and AAA offices across the state.
Depending on your total income and allowable deductions, a person may be able to get up to $162 worth of food stamps per month. Food Stamp benefits are distributed through the state’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, which allows recipients to obtain their benefits by using an Oregon Trail Card at the grocery store card-scanning devices.
To find out if you are eligible for food stamps, please use our Food Stamp Benefit Calculator to get an idea about the amount of food stamp benefits you may be eligible for.
Being eligible for food stamps may also make you eligible for other programs such as the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program and the Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program.
You can apply for food stamps by downloading an application below or by contacting your local office. You will want to provide the local office with your NAME, ADDRESS AND SIGNATURE as soon as possible. This will secure your benefit start date is you are determined eligible.
Click here for a list of local offices in your area.
For questions about how or where to apply for food stamps Contact Oregon SafeNet, 1-800-723-3638.
Home-delivered meals These programs offer meals delivered daily or several times a week, usually around the lunch hour, to home bound seniors and Medicaid eligible people with disabilities who cannot prepare their own meals. The days for home delivery vary. Weekend meals, usually frozen, may also be available. For adults over age 60, a donation is requested. For Medicaid eligible adults over age 65 or Medicaid eligible individuals, Medicaid may cover the meal costs. Also see: Meals on Wheels. Congregate meals Some communities offer nutritious meals in a group setting, often located in senior centers, schools, churches and housing projects for older adults. Social contact is emphasized. Frequently, the mealtime also includes recreational and social activities. Transportation is sometimes provided. Participants contribute what they can to the cost of the meal. Also see: Loaves and fishes. Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program The Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program provides low-income seniors with checks that can be used to purchase fresh Oregon grown fruits, vegetables and cut herbs. The checks can only be used at approved farmers' markets and farm stands.The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve nutrition to Oregon seniors and support local Oregon farmers. Each spring eligible seniors are notified by mail they may participate in the program. Seniors that choose to participate are mailed checks that they can redeem for produce between June 1 and October 31 of the given year. To be eligible, seniors must meet ALL of the following criteria:
Also see Oregon Farmers Market Association.
Other food & nutrition resources
Help in your community Other programs and services may be offered in your local community. For further assistance and information contact the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Department of Human Services (DHS) local office in your area .Back to top
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