Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2026

Extended Certification Periods: The bill increases the certification period for certain programs to 36 months, which can provide more stability for participants (Section 2(a), Section 3(b), Section 6(b), and Section 7(d)).

Improved Medical Expense Deductions: The bill allows for a standard medical expense deduction, which can help elderly or disabled members reduce their costs (Section 2(b)).

Streamlined Application Processes: Through the Elderly Simplified Application Program (ESAP) and the Combined Application Program (CAP), households can benefit from easier application processes and reduced need for in-person interviews (Section 3(b) and Section 3(c)).

Increased Food Access via Delivery: The bill authorizes a program that allows retail food stores to provide food delivery for older adults and adults with disabilities who cannot shop for themselves or lack transportation (Section 5(b)).

Outreach and Assistance Grants: A pilot program will award grants to help raise awareness and assist specific groups, including kinship families and those with limited English proficiency, in enrolling in nutrition programs (Section 4(b)).

Enhanced Farmers' Market Support: The bill provides funding to improve farmers' market infrastructure and modernizes the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program by transitioning from paper coupons to electronic technology (Section 7(a) and Section 8(b)).

Standardized Benefit Limitations: Under the Combined Application Program's standard model, a State may use standardized benefit levels; however, the bill notes that households should be referred to the regular SNAP program if the standardized amount is significantly less than what they would otherwise receive (Section 3(c)(1)(B)(iii)).

Fraud Prevention Requirements: While streamlining applications, the bill still requires State agencies to establish accountability and fraud protection measures to ensure program integrity (Section 3(c)(1)(2)).