Congregate Nutrition Services section of the Older Americans Act (OAA) authorizes meals and related nutrition services in congregate settings, which help to keep older Americans healthy and prevent the need for more costly medical interventions. In addition to serving healthy meals, the program presents opportunities for social engagement, information on healthy aging, and meaningful volunteer roles, all of which contribute to an older individual’s overall health and well-being. Congregate Nutrition Services include food/nutrient delivery, nutrition education, nutrition counseling, and other nutrition services, as appropriate, based on the needs of meal participants. Though nutrient delivery (i.e., meals) is a form of nutrition intervention, for the purposes of DSAAPD Congregate Nutrition Services, “meals” are distinguished from other allowable intervention services as follows: Home-Delivered Nutrition Home-Delivered Nutrition Services provide meals and related nutrition services to older individuals that are homebound. According to the Administration on Aging (AOA), HomeDelivered Nutrition Services are often the first in-home service that an older adult receives, and the program is a primary access point for other home and community-based services. HomeDelivered Nutrition Services are also an important service for many family caregivers by assisting family members with their caregiving responsibilities and, for some, helping them maintain their own health and personal well-being.
