1. Government Food Assistance Programs

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Provides monthly financial assistance for purchasing groceries.
Eligible seniors receive an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card to buy food at authorized stores.
How to Apply:
- Online: ACCESS Florida
- Phone: 1-866-762-2237
- Local Department of Children & Families (DCF) Office

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Offers free food to low-income seniors through local food pantries.
Seniors should contact local food banks to find distribution locations.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Provides free monthly food packages to low-income seniors (60+ years old).
How to Apply:
- Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
- Website: FDACS - CSFP

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Provides vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets.
How to Apply: Contact the Hillsborough County Aging Services or local senior centers.

2. Local Food Assistance in Hillsborough County

Meals on Wheels of Tampa

Delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors.
How to Apply:
- Website: Meals on Wheels Tampa
- Phone: (813) 238-8410

Hillsborough County Aging Services – Senior Dining & Meal Sites

Provides free or low-cost congregate meals at local senior centers.
How to Apply:
- Website: Hillsborough County Aging Services
- Phone: (813) 272-5250

Feeding Tampa Bay

Operates food pantries and mobile food distribution sites throughout Hillsborough County.
How to Apply:
- Website: Feeding Tampa Bay
- Phone: (813) 254-1190

Metropolitan Ministries

Offers emergency food assistance for seniors and families in need.
How to Apply:
- Website: Metropolitan Ministries
- Phone: (813) 209-1200

Salvation Army – Food Pantries

Provides emergency food boxes for seniors.
How to Apply:
- Website: Salvation Army Tampa
- Phone: (813) 549-0641

Tampa Jewish Family Services – Community Food Bank

Offers monthly food distributions for seniors in need.
How to Apply:
- Website: Tampa Jewish Family Services
- Phone: (813) 960-1848

3. Home-Delivered & Special Meal Programs

Sunshine Line - Hillsborough County

Provides free or low-cost transportation to food pantries, grocery stores, and meal sites for eligible seniors.
How to Apply:
- Website: Sunshine Line
- Phone: (813) 272-7272

Food for Seniors with Medical Conditions

Medically Tailored Meals: Some programs, like Meals on Wheels, provide customized meals for seniors with dietary restrictions.
Community Health Clinics: Some health programs provide free meals for seniors with chronic illnesses (check with Tampa Family Health Centers).

4. Faith-Based & Community Programs

Many local churches, mosques, and temples operate food pantries and meal programs. Some to check in Hillsborough County:

St. Vincent de Paul Society – Offers food pantries and financial assistance for food.
Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg – Provides emergency food boxes.
Local United Way (Dial 211) – Can help connect seniors to meal assistance programs.

5. Grocery & Food Delivery Services for Seniors

For seniors who can afford groceries but need delivery assistance, there are programs that offer free or low-cost delivery:

Instacart Senior Support Service – Grocery delivery with a senior-friendly ordering system.
Amazon Fresh & Walmart+ – Online grocery delivery, sometimes with discounts for seniors.
Local Volunteer Groups – Some nonprofit groups (e.g., Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay) offer volunteers to help seniors shop for groceries.

How to Get Help Today

Call 211 – Free referral service to find the nearest food assistance program.
Contact Hillsborough County Aging Services – (813) 272-5250
Visit a local food pantry or senior meal site (check Feeding Tampa Bay for locations).

Resources for Elder Abuse Victims

If elder abuse is suspected or happening, here’s where to seek help:

1. National Hotlines & Reporting Services

National Elder Fraud Hotline: 📞 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
Eldercare Locator (For Local Resources): 📞 1-800-677-1116
National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA): https://ncea.acl.gov
Adult Protective Services (APS): Contact the local APS office in your state to report abuse.

2. Legal Assistance

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA): https://www.naela.org
Legal Services for Seniors: Many states offer free or low-cost legal aid for elder abuse cases.

3. Financial Protection Services

AARP Fraud Watch Network: Alerts about new scams targeting seniors.
FTC Identity Theft & Fraud Protection: https://www.identitytheft.gov
Banks & Financial Institutions: Many banks have dedicated teams to help seniors identify fraud.

4. Senior Safe Spaces

Local Senior Centers & Faith-Based Groups often provide confidential help.
Shelters & Emergency Housing Programs exist for seniors facing neglect or harm.

Senior Resource Guide
"Empowering Golden Years with Compassionate Care."

Introduction:

Welcome to the Senior Resource Guide for South Hillsborough County, Florida. This booklet is designed to provide valuable information and resources to help seniors navigate the various services, programs, and opportunities available in our community. Whether you're seeking healthcare services, recreational activities, or support for independent living, this guide will point you in the right direction.

1. Senior Centers and Recreational Activities:

- Ruskin Senior Center: 905 6th St SE, Ruskin, FL 33570; Phone: (813) 672-1120

- Fitness classes: Tai Chi, Yoga, Zumba Gold, Chair Exercise

- Arts and crafts workshops: Painting, Knitting, Ceramics, Woodworking

- Social events: Bingo, Movie screenings, Potluck lunches, Book club

- Sun City Center Community Association: 1009 N Pebble Beach Blvd, Sun City Center, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 633-3500

- Fitness classes: Aqua Aerobics, Line Dancing, Pickleball, Golf

- Arts and crafts workshops: Quilting, Stained Glass, Jewelry Making, Photography

- Social events: Card games, Dances, Educational seminars, Travel club

- Wimauma Senior Center: 5714 North St, Wimauma, FL 33598; Phone: (813) 671-7720

- Fitness classes: Gentle Yoga, Stretching, Walking group, Seated Exercise

- Arts and crafts workshops: Crochet, Scrapbooking, Watercolor Painting, Floral Arrangement

- Social events: Game nights, Karaoke, Birthday celebrations, Cultural events

- Information on local parks, walking trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities

2. Healthcare Services:

- South Bay Hospital: 4016 Sun City Center Blvd, Sun City Center, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 634-3301

- BayCare Urgent Care (Sun City Center): 1647 Sun City Center Plaza, Sun City Center, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 634-9294

- JSA Medical Group (Sun City Center): 787 Cortaro Dr, Sun City Center, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 634-2500

- Mental Health Support and Counseling Services:

- Mental Health Care, Inc.: 5707 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33610; Phone: (813) 272-2244; Website: www.mhcinc.org

- NAMI Hillsborough: 5509 W Gray St #129, Tampa, FL 33609; Phone: (813) 273-8104; Website: www.namihillsborough.org

- Senior Counseling Services at The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: 1 Crisis Center Plaza, Tampa, FL 33613; Phone: (813) 264-9955; Website: www.crisiscenter.com

- Prescription Drug Assistance Programs:

- Florida Prescription Assistance Program: Phone: (800) 477-0156; Website: www.floridapatients.org

- NeedyMeds: Phone: (800) 503-6897; Website: www.needymeds.org

- RxAssist: Website: www.rxassist.org

- Partnership for Prescription Assistance: Phone: (888) 477-2669; Website: www.pparx.org

3. Transportation Options:

- Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART): Phone: (813) 254-4278; Website: www.gohart.org

- Sunshine Line (Door-to-door service): Phone: (813) 272-7272; Website: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/transportation/sunshine-line

- Volunteer Transportation Program (Sun City Center): Phone: (813) 633-6111

- Resources for accessing transportation assistance programs

4. Meal and Nutrition Services:

- Meals on Wheels of Tampa: Phone: (813) 238-8410; Website: www.mowtampa.org

- Feeding Tampa Bay (Food Bank): Phone: (813) 254-1190; Website: www.feedingtampabay.org

- Senior Dining Sites:

- Ruskin Senior Center: 905 6th St SE, Ruskin, FL 33570; Phone: (813) 672-1120

- Sun City Center Community Association: 1009 N Pebble Beach Blvd, Sun City Center, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 633-3500

- Wimauma Senior Center: 5714 North St, Wimauma, FL 33598; Phone: (813) 671-7720

- Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Diet and Nutrition as a Senior:

- Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats

- Limit processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars

- Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day

- Control portion sizes and eat smaller, more frequent meals

- Consult with a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice

- Take advantage of senior nutrition programs and resources

5. Housing and Independent Living Resources:

- Hillsborough County Aging Services: Phone: (813) 272-5250; Website: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/social-services/aging-services

- Sun City Center Cares: Phone: (813) 642-9099; Website: www.suncitycentercares.org

- Assisted Living Facilities:

1. Sun Towers Retirement Community: 101 Trinity Lakes Dr, Sun City Center, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 634-3347

2. Belvedere Commons of Sun City Center: 1311 Aston Gardens Ct, Sun City Center, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 633-4340

3. Pacifica Senior Living Sun City: 3855 Upper Creek Dr, Sun City Center, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 938-2259

4. The Crossings at Riverview: 8451 US-301, Riverview, FL 33578; Phone: (813) 671-0222

5. Twin Creeks Assisted Living and Memory Care: 13470 Boyette Rd, Riverview, FL 33569; Phone: (813) 672-8500

- Independent Living Communities:

1. Freedom Plaza Sun City Center: 1010 American Eagle Blvd, Sun City Center, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 642-1213

2. Sun City Senior Living: 3855 Upper Creek Dr, Ruskin, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 938-2259

3. Aston Gardens at The Courtyards: 231 Courtyards Blvd, Sun City Center, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 642-8950

4. Kings Point in Sun City Center: 1900 Clubhouse Dr, Sun City Center, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 634-9229

5. Hawthorne Inn of Wimauma: 5905 Hawthorne Ln, Wimauma, FL 33598; Phone: (813) 633-3994

- Information on home modification and accessibility resources

- Details on property tax exemptions and other financial assistance programs for senior homeowners

6. Social and Volunteer Opportunities:

- SouthShore Regional Library: 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, FL 33573; Phone: (813) 273-3652

- Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP): Phone: (813) 932-5228; Website: www.rsvptampabay.org

- Senior-Friendly Social Clubs, Interest Groups, and Community Organizations:

- Sun City Center Lifelong Learning: Phone: (813) 634-8607; Website: www.sccll.org

- Sun City Center Lawn Bowling Club: Phone: (813) 634-4892; Website: www.suncoastlawnbowls.com

- Sun City Center Performing Arts Company: Phone: (813) 642-0606; Website: www.performingartscompany.net

- Ruskin Woman's Club: Phone: (813) 645-1366; Website: www.gfwcruskinwomansclub.org

- Ruskin VFW Post 6287: Phone: (813) 645-2935; Website: www.vfw6287.org

- Resources for Staying Connected with Family and Friends:

- Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative - Technology Classes: Website: www.hcplc.org/services/technology-classes

- Seniors in Service - Telephone Reassurance Program: Phone: (813) 932-5228; Website: www.seniorsinservice.org/telephone-reassurance-program

- Generations on Line - Free Online Tutorials: Website: www.generationsonline.org

- AARP TEK Workshops: Website: www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/tek-workshops/

7. Legal and Financial Assistance:

- Bay Area Legal Services (Senior Legal Helpline): Phone: (800) 625-2257; Website: www.bals.org

- Hillsborough County Veteran's Services: Phone: (813) 246-3170; Website: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/social-services/veterans

- Social Security Administration (SSA): Phone: (800) 772-1213; Website: www.ssa.gov

- Resources for Preventing and Reporting Elder Abuse and Fraud:

- Florida Department of Elder Affairs - Elder Abuse Prevention Program: Phone: (800) 962-2873; Website: www.elderaffairs.org/programs-services/elder-abuse-prevention/

- Senior Connection Center - Elder Abuse Helpline: Phone: (800) 962-2873; Website: www.seniorconnectioncenter.org/services/elder-abuse-prevention/

- Florida Attorney General's Office - Seniors vs. Crime: Phone: (800) 203-3099; Website: www.seniorsvscrime.com

- AARP Fraud Watch Network: Website: www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/

8. Emergency and Safety Services:

- Emergency: 911

- Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (Non-emergency): Phone: (813) 247-8200

- Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (Non-emergency): Phone: (813) 272-6600

- Tips for Home Safety and Fall Prevention:

- Remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs, electrical cords, and clutter

- Install handrails on stairs and grab bars in bathrooms

- Ensure adequate lighting throughout the home, especially in hallways and stairwells

- Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen

- Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes with non-skid soles

- Review medications with a healthcare provider to identify any that may increase the risk of falls

- Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response:

- Hillsborough County Emergency Management: Phone: (813) 236-3800; Website: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/public-safety/emergency-management

- Hillsborough County Special Needs Shelter Registration: Phone: (813) 307-8063; Website: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/public-safety/emergency-management/special-needs-shelter-registration

- American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter: Phone: (813) 348-4820; Website: www.redcross.org/local/florida/central-florida/about-us/locations/tampa-bay.html

- Florida Division of Emergency Management: Phone: (850) 413-9969; Website: www.floridadisaster.org

9. Caregiver Support:

- Hillsborough County Family Caregiver Support Program: Phone: (813) 272-5250

- Alzheimer's Association - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter: Phone: (800) 272-3900; Website: www.alz.org/flgulfcoast

- Senior Helpers (In-home caregiving services): Phone: (813) 677-1400; Website: www.seniorhelpers.com/fl/brandon

- Tips for Self-Care and Stress Management for Caregivers:

- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga

- Engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy diet

- Set realistic goals and prioritize tasks

- Accept help from others and delegate responsibilities when possible

- Join a caregiver support group or seek individual counseling

- Take regular breaks and make time for enjoyable activities

- Maintain social connections and communicate openly with family and friends

10. Additional Resources and Contact Information: