Florida Department of Elder Affairs - Congregate Meal and Nutrition Sites Program

Florida Department of Elder Affairs - Congregate Meal and Nutrition Sites Program is sponsored by Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Supports nonprofit organizations operating meal sites for older adults to promote socialization and nutrition.

Congregate Meal and Nutrition Sites | Elder Affairs Florida Congregate Meal and Nutrition Sites The Florida Department of Elder Affairs, through the Area Agencies on Aging , administers state and federally funded meal and nutrition education programs with outreach services. Approximately 300 congregate sites in Florida serve thousands of meals daily.

The Congregate Meal Site Program provides nutritionally balanced meals, nutrition education, and nutrition risk screening for Floridians aged 60 years and older and their spouses, and encourages socialization and better health through disease prevention and health promotion programs. In addition, nutrition counseling may be available in some areas.

The served meals meet nutritional standards by incorporating the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and providing a minimum of one-third of the Dietary Reference Intakes. The program is funded by the federal Older Americans Act (OAA), participant donations, and local funds. Services are provided through a network of eleven Area Agencies on Aging and their contracted service providers.

Congregate dining facility sites include senior centers, churches, senior housing facilities, and other community focal points. More commonly known as “Meals on Wheels,” this service provides safe and nutritious meals delivered to the door of a homebound older Floridian.

The program’s goal is to reduce hunger and food insecurity while promoting the health and well-being of older individuals in an effort to delay adverse health conditions. Priority is given to frail, homebound, or isolated older adults. Volunteers or paid staff deliver meals to homebound clients.

The volunteers or staff members delivering the meals have an important opportunity to provide some social contact for the homebound elder. The Meals on Wheels program offers needed support to elders in their own home. The served meals meet nutritional standards by incorporating the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and providing a minimum of one-third of the Dietary Reference Intakes.

The program is funded by the federal Older Americans Act (OAA), participant donations, and local funds. Services are provided through a network of eleven Area Agencies on Aging and their contracted service providers. Donations are encouraged from participants as well as those interested in helping elders receive proper nutrition.

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find out how you can help.