Philadelphia, March 24, 2015 – A new case study from Benefits Data Trust (BDT) and Philabundance details the organizations’ innovative pilot project to reduce senior hunger in the Greater Philadelphia region by increasing older food bank clients’ participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) and other benefits.
The project focused on Philabundance clients age 60+ enrolled in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides USDA-donated canned and boxed food to vulnerable seniors throughout the region. Using secure client data provided by Philabundance, BDT utilized its proven, data-driven model to identify, screen, and apply eligible seniors for SNAP and other benefits that support food security.
Over a period of 14 months, the project achieved the following results:
- 1,065 benefit applications submitted on behalf of 609 food-insecure seniors, including 228 applications for SNAP
- $1.7 million in benefit dollars delivered to older Philabundance clients
- Return on Investment (ROI) of 11:1
These strong results demonstrate that utilizing emergency food providers’ client data is an efficient and effective way to connect seniors to SNAP and other benefits.
###
About Benefits Data Trust
Benefits Data Trust (BDT) is a national nonprofit that helps people live healthier, more independent lives by creating smarter ways to access essential benefits and services. Each year, BDT helps tens of thousands of people receive critical supports using data, technology, targeted outreach, and policy change. Since inception in 2005, BDT has submitted over 800,000 applications – more than any other single entity in the country – securing over $7 billion in benefits and services. BDT employs more than 170 people and provides enrollment assistance to individuals in six states, and policy assistance to states nationwide. For more information, visit bdtrust.org.
About Philabundance
Philabundance reduces hunger and food insecurity in the Delaware Valley by providing food access to people in need in partnership with organizations and individuals. Philabundance provides a full plate of services through neighborhood distribution programs and a network of close to 500 member agencies in 9 counties. Philabundance serves approximately 72,000 people per week at a cost of 50 cents per meal. There are more than 900,000 people in the Delaware Valley who are at risk for chronic hunger and malnutrition. In 2013, Philabundance distributed nearly 30 million pounds of food. For more information about Philabundance, visit www.philabundance.org or call 215-339-0900. If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please call Philabundance’s Food Help Line, 800-319-FOOD (3663).