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    Congregate Nutrition

    Program Code

    The Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III C-1 Congregate Nutrition program code is 3890100.

    Program Description

    The Older Americans Act (OAA) seeks to enable older individuals to maintain their well- being through locally developed community-based systems of services. The OAA Title III C-1 Congregate Nutrition Program serves nutritious meals to older adults in both in-person settings such as senior centers and in virtual congregate settings. In addition to meals, the program also provides nutrition education, nutrition risk screening, and, in some areas, nutrition counseling.

    The Program targets older individuals with the greatest economic or social need, with particular attention to low-income, minority older individuals, and older individuals living in rural areas. Program goals are to reduce food insecurity and malnutrition and to reduce social isolation. Each meal must follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and provide a minimum of one-third of the Dietary Reference Intakes. The Program encourages the use of volunteers and gives all participants the opportunity to contribute to the cost of the meal.

    Program Benefits

    The Program improves participants’ dietary intakes and offers opportunities to socialize, form new friendships, and create informal support networks. Since adequate nutrition is critical to health, functioning, and the quality of life, the Program is an important component of home- and community-based services for older adults.

    Program Eligibility

    Eligibility Criteria Eligibility Requirement
    Age

    Individuals 60 years of age or older

    Income

    No income requirement

    Other

    Regardless of age, the following are also eligible:

    • Spouses of eligible participants
    • Individuals with disabilities who reside with and accompany the eligible participant
    • Individuals who live in senior housing facilities that provide congregate nutrition services

    Program Funding

    Funding Type Funding Information
    Source

    $63.4 million from:

    • OAA federal funds via Administration for Community Living (ACL)
    • State General Fund (GF)

    $42.8 million from:

    • Local funds
    • In-kind contributions
    • Program Income
    • Voluntary Contributions
    Allocation Formula

    Intrastate Funding Formula

    Match Requirements

    Local Assistance:

    • 5% State GF
    • 10% local funds
    • 25% Area Plan Administration

    State Operations:

    • 25% State Funds
    Other
    • Federal funds provided via federal grant for the period of 10/1 through 9/30. State funds provided annually via the Budget Act.
    • Federal funds are authorized in the Older Americans Act and have an end date of 9/30.
    • 40% of funds can be transferred between Title III C-1 (Congregate Nutrition) and Title III C-2 (Home-Delivered Nutrition).
    • 30% of funds can be transferred between Title III B (Supportive Services) and Title III C-1 and Title III C-2.
    • 30% of funds can be transferred between Title III B (Supportive Services) and Title III C-1 and Title III C-2.
    • In FY 2019-20, the State Legislature allocated $17.5 million in supplemental funds to the Title III C Nutrition Program, including C-1 Congregate Nutrition and C-2Home-Delivered Nutrition, to augment the Title III C Nutrition Program.
    State Fiscal Year Cycle

    July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024

    Program Statistics

    Congregate Nutrition 2024 2025
    Participants 204,065 187,695
    Service Units 6,796,589 6,927,783

    (Source: CA State Performance Reports FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25)

    Program Fact Sheets - Statewide

    Available Content:

    Program Fact Sheets - Local Level