Department of Health and Human Services
Administration on Aging

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Press Room

Older Americans Action Nutrition Program Makes a Difference

The Older Americans Act Nutrition Program is the largest U.S. community based food and nutrition assistance program targeted to older adults.

In 2005, it provided 241 million meals to 2.7 million vulnerable older adults. For a majority of these participants, the single meal provided by either the home-delivered or congregate program provided one half or more of their total food for the day. These programs provide services that older adults value to help them to continue to live as healthy as possible at home in the community.

In 2005, over 940,000 home-bound older persons received home-delivered meals. An AoA survey of home delivered meal participants found that:

• 61% live alone
• 85% had incomes under $20,000
• 73% were 75 or older
• 86% reported that as a result of the program, they ate more balanced meals.
• 91% reported that as a result of the program, they can continue to live in their own home.

Also, in 2005, 1.7 million older persons participated in congregate meal programs at senior centers and other congregated sites. An AoA survey of congregate meal participants reported that:

• 52% live alone
• 62% were 75 or older
• 79% reported that as a result of the program, they ate more balanced meals.
• 72% reported that as a result of the program, they can continue to live in their own home.