Community Corner
Program to Assist Seniors with Food Purchases Expanding to Oconee
Oconee County senior citizens can make an appointment to meet with AARP SNAP Outreach Specialists.
AARP is sponsoring a drive to end hunger through SNAP, a federal food stamp program that helps senior citizens buy healthy and nutritious food. AARP Georgia currently has served more than 1,200 eligible SNAP applicants in the state and recipients are expected to receive an average of $119 per month. SNAP outreach efforts are currently active in Clarke, Cobb, Fulton and Gwinnett. Efforts are currently in place to extend these program into Oconee, Washington, Baldwin and Bulloch counties.
Oconee County seniors are invited to visit with AARP SNAP Outreach Specialists at the Oconee County Senior Center in Watkinsville on June 28, July 12 and July 19. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling 877-957-7627.
The SNAP program allows participants to purchase food in most grocery stores and at most food retailers. Seniors participating in the program receive a special debit card that has a specific amount of money on it to cover the costs of food. The amount of money on the card will vary for each senior and the card will be reloaded on a monthly basis. Seniors with limited incomes are encouraged to apply.