Reaching the Elderly through the Coordinated Food Stamp Outreach Program

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: Participants will be able to develop an outreach program to a target group utilizing the strategies outlined in the presentation. In an effort to reach and increase elderly participation in the food stamp program, a targeted outreach plan was designed and integrated into the statewide Coordinated Food stamp Outreach Program (CFSOP). The Massachusetts CFSOP is the result of collaborative efforts between the MA Department of Public Health, the MA Department of Transitional Assistance, DTA (administrators of the Food Stamp Program in the state), Project Bread (a hunger relief agency), and five community based nonprofit agencies. Nationally, only one out of three eligible elderly are enrolled in the Food Stamp Program. The reasons are many and include: 1) inability or reluctance to go to the local welfare office to apply 2) misinformation about the program (e.g. assuming ineligibility if they own their own home, don't have children, etc.), 3) perception that the application process is too complicated or not worth the effort for the anticipated low benefits ($10/month) and 4) pride. With these barriers in mind, models for extensive outreach and client enrollment have been developed in several key cities in MA. Community-based outreach is conducted through group presentations using a 9-minute video designed to educate the elderly on the food stamp program and encourage them to apply. Other media including TV and radio PSAs, newspaper features, brochures and flyers all help to publicize the program. Partnerships with local DTA offices, fuel assistance, and area agencies on aging, to name a few, facilitate outreach and application assistance. The processes, including community-based partnerships and outcomes will be presented for discussion.