Recovery Act (ARRA): Senior Nutrition Programs

Vice President Biden announced the award of $100 Million in Recovery Act funding to support Senior Nutrition Programs. Approximately 14 million meals will be provided through the HHS Administration on Aging’s community senior nutrition programs.

The Recovery Act provides:

• $65 million for congregate nutrition services provided at senior centers and other community sites,
• $32 million for home delivered nutrition services delivered to frail elders at home, and
• $3 million for Native American nutrition programs that will be made available in April.

The funding will be awarded to 56 states and territories and 246 tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. States will award the funds to organizations that provide nutrition services in their communities.

See Funding for your State.

See Funding for all states.

See Funding for Tribes.

Why Fund Senior Nutrition Programs during an Economic Downturn?

The Recovery Act funding comes as budget constraints have forced states and tribes to limit community-based services and critical Older Americans Act related services, including home-delivered meals. Across the country, organizations that serve senior citizens have scaled back services and limited the number of meals served per week.

The economic downturn has also made it difficult for many seniors to afford the right foods to keep themselves healthy and active. Additionally, many seniors may be too impaired to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. Without regular nutritious meals, the health of many older Americans declines; they become more susceptible to illness; their ability to manage their chronic diseases is reduced, and they may lose their ability to remain at home, independent in their community.

Recovery Act Implementation Plans

• Congregate Nutrition Services (PDF - 95.39 KB)
• Home-Delivered Nutrition Services (PDF - 88.51 KB)
• Native American Nutrition Services (PDF - 89.46 KB)