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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 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 meals in a group (congregate) setting to individuals aged 60 or older. Sites also provide nutrition education, nutrition risk screening and nutrition counseling in some areas.

    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. The Program encourages the use of volunteers and gives all participants the opportunity to contribute to the cost of the meal. Each meal must meet the nutritional standards outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and provide a minimum of one-third of the Dietary Reference Intakes.

    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 requirement

    Other

    Regardless of age, the following are also eligible:

    • Spouses of eligible participants
    • Volunteers who provide the eligible participant with needed services during the meal hours
    • Individuals with disabilities who reside with the eligible participant
    • Individuals who live in senior housing facilities that provide congregate nutrition services

    Program Funding

    Funding Type Funding Information
    Source
    • OAA federal funds via Administration for Community Living (ACL)
    • State General Fund (GF)
    • Local funds
    • In-kind contributions
    Allocation Formula

    Intrastate Funding Formula

    Match Requirements
    • 5 percent State GF
    • 10 percent local funds
    Other
    • 40 percent of funds can be transferred between Title III C-1 (Congregate Nutrition) and Title III C-2 (Home-Delivered Nutrition)
    • 30 percent 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 IIIC Nutrition Program, including C-1 Congregate Nutrition and C-2 Home-Delivered Nutrition, to augment the Title IIIC Nutrition Program.
    • Voluntary contributions are accepted
    Cycle

    July 1 – June 30

    Program Fact Sheets - Statewide

    Available Content:

    Program Fact Sheets - Local Level