Benefits Outreach experts help connect seniors to services

March 19, 2024

Like many senior neighbors, Cathy, struggles to make ends meet on a fixed income when the price of almost everything – especially food and life’s necessities – climb steadily. On a recent rainy morning, she drove from her Dover home to the Harrington Senior Center to meet with one of the Food Bank of Delaware’s benefits outreach coordinators.

While Megan, an outreach expert, might not be able to provide a quick fix, she did offer information about programs that assist seniors with the food, home energy costs, and free personalized financial counseling. Megan was also able to assist Cathy with the application and registration processes.

At the Food Bank of Delaware,  we know that most people are reluctant to ask for help, so we build relationships with community partners to reach neighbors in a familiar environment. Last week, we launched the first in a series of benefit outreach opportunities at the Harrington Senior Center. In addition to providing information, neighbors, like Cathy, receive personalized application assistance.

Cathy was pleased with the opportunity to meet with someone face-to-face in a private setting. She has previously received food through at a distribution site in Dover, so she got an email notifying her about the Harrington meetings.

During the COVID pandemic, Cathy received increase SNAP benefits, but those expired. Inflation hit, and the cost of food – and nearly everything else – increased. “I’ve maxed out my credit cards,” she said. “The Food Bank has been a blessing.”

Cathy also noted the convenience of what she called “one-stop shopping” at the Harrington site. “This was helpful, seeing the programs. I didn’t know what I qualify for.”