Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2026

Streamlined Nutrition Access: The creation of the "elderly simplified application program" (ESAP) allows for a streamlined application and certification process for households where all adult members are elderly or disabled and have no earned income (Section 3(b)).

Reduced Administrative Burdens: Under the ESAP, State agencies would not be required to conduct interviews for household recertification unless requested by the household (Section 3(b)).

Simplified Application through CAP: The "combined application program" (CAP) aims to reduce the need for in-person interviews and increase participation by using increased automation and simplified benefit calculations (Section 3(c)).

Expanded Food Delivery Options: The bill authorizes food delivery for program participants, which can include free grocery delivery for older adults or adults with disabilities who are unable to shop for themselves or lack safe transportation (Section 5(b)(1)(C)).

Increased Outreach and Awareness: The "Enrollment and Outreach Pilot Program" is designed to raise awareness of program availability and assist vulnerable groups in enrolling (Section 4(b)).

Improved Farmers' Market Access: The bill provides for modernization grants to transition farmers' market nutrition programs from paper-based coupons to electronic transaction technology (Section 7(a)(2)) and provides financial assistance to improve or establish farmers' markets (Section 8(b)(2)).

Expanded Eligibility for Commodity Programs: The Commodity Supplemental Food Program would expand its reach to include low-income adults with disabilities (Section 6(a)(2)).

Strict Standards for Increased Deductions: While State agencies may establish a greater standard medical expense deduction, they must satisfy specific cost-neutrality standards established by the Secretary (Section 2(b)(2)(ii)).

Requirement for Fraud Prevention: Under the ESAP, State agencies are required to establish accountability and fraud protection measures to ensure the integrity of the program (Section 3(c)(2)).

Potential for Lower Benefits in CAP: The bill notes that a State should refer a household to the standard SNAP program instead of the CAP if the standardized amount provided under CAP would be significantly less than what the household would otherwise receive (Section 3(c)(1)(B)(iii)).

Compliance Requirements for Retailers: To receive reimbursements for food delivery, retail food stores must adhere to several requirements, such as paying employees at specific minimum wage rates and not charging surge pricing (Section 5(b)(3)(B)).