Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory 2025/2026

NUTRITION PROJECTS

Link Card Anyone approved to receive cash assistance or SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits will be issued an Illinois Link card. The Illinois Link card is a plastic card that looks and works like a debit card. If you are eligible for cash and SNAP benefits, you will access both with the same card. To apply for a link card you will need to complete the application for the CASH, SNAP, and Medical Assistance Programs. 800-678-5465 | 877-765-3459 (TTY) www.link.illinois.gov SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits can be used to buy food or food products for human consumption, plus seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce food. There are several ways to apply for SNAP Apply Online • Go to https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/ access and use the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) to apply • Click on the button that says Apply for Benefits • Select the option stating Start New Application Create a secure account with the Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family services so that you can save uncompleted applications and check the status of submitted applications • Follow the on-screen directions to complete the application Apply using a Paper Application • Go to http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page. aspx?item=33698 and download the SNAP application (IL444-2378 B for English or IL444-2378 BS for Spanish) • Follow the directions on the form filling in as much information as you can (You must include your name and address and the form must be signed) • Once the form is complete, carry, mail, or fax the application to your local Family Community Resource Center • Applications are taken at DHS local offices. 800-843-6154 | 800-447-6404 (TTY)

Area 1: Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside & Winnebago Counties Northwestern Illinois Area on Aging 800-542-8402 | 815-226-4901 www.nwilaaa.org NICAA Senior Citizens Services 524 W. Stephenson St. Suite 4 Freeport, IL 61032 815-232-8896 | Fax: 815-232-5605 www.nicaa.org goldenmeals@yahoo.com Lifescapes Community Services 705 Kilburn Rockford, IL 61101 815-963-1609 | 800-779-1189 Email: carolgreen@lifescapeservices.com www.lifescapeservices.org

NUTRITION PROJECTS Congregate meals are served weekdays in sites such as senior centers, churches and community buildings. While enjoying a nutritious meal, participants also have a chance to visit with friends and neighbors in the community. Participants may voluntarily contribute toward the cost of their meal. When a person age 60 or older is home bound and cannot prepare nutritious meals for themselves, he or she may be eligible for home-delivered meals. Listed in this section is the main con tact information for each area. By calling your local senior center you may be able to find the food service site closest to you. Farmers Market Nutrition Program Helps promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Checks for seniors are distributed at local senior facilities through the cooperation of the Illinois Dept. on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging and Catholic Charities. These checks can be redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets in 31 counties. The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program season starts at the beginning of July and ends Oct. 31 st . Call the Illinois Dept. of Human Services or your Area on Aging for info. 800-843-6154 | 800-447-6404 (TTY) www.fns.usda.gov Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) A Federally funded program, which works to improve the health of low income individuals by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA commodity foods. Seniors ages 60 and above can get a monthly food package to take home. 866-348-6479 | 800-877-8339 (TTY) 312-353-6664 Food & Nutrition Services www.fns.usda.gov/fns

Voluntary Action Center 1606 Bethany Road Sycamore, IL 60178 815-758-3932 www.vacdk.com Email: vacdk@aol.com

Area 2 : DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry & Will Counties. AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois 800-528-2000 | 630-293-5990

Fax: 630-293-7488 www.ageguide.org

Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet-Kankakee County 100 College Dr. Kankakee, IL 60901 815-933-7791 catholiccharitiesjoliet.org Catholic Charities McHenry Nutrition 3519 N. Richmond Rd. Johnsburg, IL 60050 815-385-8260 www.catholiccharities.net Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association - Grundy County 1700 Newton Place Morris, IL 60450 815-941-1590 cnnssa.org

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