Congregate meals are healthy meals cooked and served in a group setting at local sites such as senior centers, community centers, schools, and adult day centers. The program also provides seniors with opportunities to meet other seniors and to volunteer. The meals follow the most recent national dietary guidelines. The meals are planned and reviewed by a Registered Dietitian and must meet one-third of the recommended daily requirement.
Eligibility:
- Persons who are 60 years of age or older and their spouses of any age can attend congregate meals.
- Persons with a disability, under 60, who live with a person over 60, sometimes can attend congregate meals. The person with a disability can attend only if caring for that person would prevent the older person from attending the meal. Also, if the person with a disability attends, that cannot prevent the older person and spouse from joining in. The person with a disability must go with the older person to the site.
- Persons with a disability under 60 years of age who reside in housing facilities, occupied primarily by older persons and where congregate nutrition services are provided.
Evaluation:
At the initial evaluation, staff will discuss all aspects of program participation, including the opportunity to contribute to the cost of meals and possible eligibility for home-delivered meals. Each person who wants to attend a congregate meal must complete and sign all necessary forms. The forms give information about the service and let the staff get necessary information to serve the person better
