Catholic Charities’ Elderly Services has added a coordinator to help seniors who need help paying for food.

Nicole Bruno, based at Catholic Charities’ St. Martin de Porres Senior Center in Alexandria, is available to help seniors determine whether they qualify for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps.

“It is estimated that 35,000 people over the age of 60 in the Commonwealth of Virginia are qualified to receive SNAP benefits but are not receiving them,” Bruno said.

Her role is to explain what documents are needed, such as bank account statements, receipts from rent and utility payments, and help ease the burden of completing the 15-page application and submitting it to the local Department of Human Services.

Paper food stamps are a thing of the past. Now participants present the store cashier with an electronic debit card, called an EBT card.

“The card and the name SNAP are aimed at removing the stigma sometimes attached to receiving benefits from the government,” Bruno said. Although her primary focus is helping people over the age of 60, Bruno said she will provide information and help to any age group.

The St. Martin de Porres Senior Center is located at 4650 Taney Ave., Alexandria. For more information contact Nicole Bruno at 703/751-2766 or 1-877-820-7627.