Community Services
11. Nutrition Services
These programs provide nutritious meals to seniors -- usually, those who are at least 60 years old, disabled, or the spouse of an eligible client. The meals are generally provided free of charge, although clients are encouraged to make donations if possible, and most programs have a policy of not rejecting clients who are unable to pay.
Eligibility is determined by staff assessment. People who are in greatest financial or social need and low-income, multi-ethnic clients are given preference.
Program services vary considerably by locale, and many have suffered funding cutbacks in recent years. Some programs maintain waiting lists of potential new clients, who may not be able to receive services for several months.
Most nutrition service programs offer home meal deliveries to individuals who are medically or physically disabled -- often on weekdays, with the option of frozen weekend meals upon request. And many programs provide meals on weekdays at communal spots. Some programs, especially those catering to shut-in seniors, include home visitations and basic nutrition counseling in their services.
Most nutrition sites and delivery services are at least partially staffed by community volunteers who help prepare, serve, and deliver the food.
For more information about local programs, call the Department of Aging and Adult Services at 800-510-2020.
