Food Help for People with Arthritis

If a health condition makes it hard to afford, shop for or prepare food, these programs can help. Feed America shares food-help information; it does not give medical, diet or medication advice.

Talk to your care team about food

Ask your doctor, nurse or a registered dietitian what to eat and which medicines or supplements are right for you. For plain-language health information, see MedlinePlus from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Food near you

Search food pantries by ZIP code

You can also call 211 to reach a local specialist who can refer you to food, housing and utility help.

SNAP (food stamps)

SNAP helps households with low incomes buy groceries each month on an EBT card. In fiscal year 2027 the maximum is $306 a month for 1 person and $1,023 for 4 (USDA). If a household member is 60 or older or has a disability, out-of-pocket medical costs over $35 a month can be deducted when SNAP counts the household's income, which can raise the benefit.

How to apply for SNAP in your state · SNAP amounts and limits

Meals made for a medical diet

Some hospitals, health plans (including some Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans) and nonprofit programs deliver meals prepared for a medical diet, usually with a referral from your care team. Ask your care team, your health plan or 211 whether a program serves your area.

Meals at home for older adults

Adults 60 and older can ask their local Area Agency on Aging about home-delivered meals and group meals. Find it through the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.

WIC for pregnancy and young children

If someone in the household is pregnant, recently gave birth, or is a child under 5, WIC provides healthy foods and nutrition support. How to apply for WIC.

General food-program information; each program decides eligibility. Versión en español.