The California Department of Aging contracts with and provides leadership and direction to Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)that coordinate a wide array of services to seniors and adults with disabilities at the community level and serve as the focal point for local aging concerns.
You can locate a AAA in your area by calling 1-800-510-2020 or find your county phone number below.
CDA administers the Older Americans Act Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) services through the area agencies on aging and their service providers. The ENP helps older adults remain independent and in their communities. Meals must meet nutritional standards by incorporating the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and providing a minimum of one-third of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Meals must also meet the Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP) requirements.
The Congregate Nutrition Program (Title IIIC-1) addresses dietary inadequacy and social isolation among individuals aged 60 and older. The Program provides nutrition education, nutrition risk screening and, in some Planning and Service Areas, nutrition counseling. The program targets older individuals with the greatest economic or social need, with particular attention given to low-income minority older individuals and older individuals living in rural areas. The program encourages the use of volunteers and gives all participants the opportunity to contribute to the meal cost.
The Home-Delivered Nutrition Program (Title IIIC-2) provides nutritious meals, nutrition education, and nutrition risk screening to individuals 60 years of age or over who are homebound by reason of illness or disability, or who are otherwise isolated. Program goals are targeted to the reduction of social isolation and the promotion of better health through nutrition. Many home-delivered meal programs provide their clients with a hot meal five days a week delivered by staff or volunteer drivers. Others deliver up to seven lunch/dinner meals plus seven breakfast meals featuring breakfast entrees as well as milk, fresh fruit, bread, and juice. The frozen meals can be micro-waved and enjoyed at the recipient’s convenience.
Nutrition Education is provided to both congregate and home-delivered participants and nutrition counseling may be available.
