Updated: August 2022 | Find the latest information and resources at acl.gov/senior-nutrition | Page 1 

Food Banks and Food Pantries

Do you find it hard to buy healthy foods? You are not alone. More than six out of ten 

older adults say they must choose between food or paying for utilities, 

transportation, or medical care. 

Food pantries can be helpful to those who may have emergency needs. They can

also be helpful for anyone who may or may not qualify for federal assistance. 

What is a food bank?

A food bank is a nonprofit organization that acts as a food storage and distribution 

center for smaller front-line agencies, such as food pantries. They usually do not give 

out food directly to people, but they may have staff that can assist you with getting 

benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP provides 

nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families in need so they can 

purchase healthy food. Food banks often rely heavily on donors and volunteers to 

carry out their daily operations. 

What is a food pantry?

A food pantry is an agency found in your community that provides food and other 

resources to those in need. Many food pantry programs are now offering mobile 

pantry programs, which travel around communities to make it easier for people to 

access food. Some food pantries allow you to “grocery shop” while others provide 

standard boxes of food. 

There are often volunteer opportunities, and they can help connect you to other 

resources that you may need. Food pantries may provide monthly groceries for older 

adults, emergency food boxes, and assistance with applying for federal assistance 

programs. 

How can I eat healthily?

If you do not have enough healthy food to eat, it can lead to Type 2 diabetes, high 

blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity, so eating healthy foods is important. 

There are many foods that can provide added nutrients at lower costs. Canned 
Updated: August 2022 | Find the latest information and resources at acl.gov/senior-nutrition | Page 2 

foods, bananas, and potatoes are just a few that can provide nutrients and are lower 

in cost. 

When choosing your food at the food pantry, try following

the Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) system 

developed by the Connecticut Foodshare Institute for 

Hunger Research & Solutions. 

SWAP’s color-coded system provides guidance on what foods to choose: 

Green means choose often. These are foods that support health, such as 

produce; lean meats; low-fat dairy products; low salt canned items; and items 

low in fat, sodium, and sugar.

Yellow means choose sometimes. These are food that can contribute to good 

health, such as pastas; no added salt canned goods; and items with medium 

levels of fat, sodium, or sugar.

Red means choose rarely. These foods provide limited health benefits, and 

they include high-fat meats; highly processed food items, like macaroni and 

cheese; and high sodium, fat, and sugar items.

Follow these tips to find the resources you need. 

• Ask for help! There are services for everyone, and it does not take benefits 

away from others.

• Call your Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and let them know you 

need help. Go to the Eldercare Locator and put in your zip code to find the 

ADRC in your area. 

• Talk to a senior center director or local food pantry about applying for help. 

• Find a food bank in your area by going to Feeding America’s website and 

entering in your state or zip code. The website will give you a list of food banks 

closer to the area where you live.

• Apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. You can 

find help applying for SNAP by going to Feeding America’s website and putting 

in your zip code.