The Older Americans Act includes funding for a nutrition program that provides one meal a day for at least five days a week for elderly persons who can come to a center for senior citizens. Each meal is planned to furnish at least one third of the recommended allowances. Provision for modified diets can usually be made in these centers. Nutrition education, periodic health checks, and recreational activities are important components of this program.

Two programs provide meals for persons who are home bound. One of these is federally funded and originates in the centers for older Americans. At least one hot meal is delivered five days a week. In some circumstances arrangements are made for two daily meals, including weekends. “Meals on Wheels” is a program that provides a hot noon meal and a cold evening meal. The program is sponsored by community agencies, for example churches or hospitals. The recipient pays for the meals on a sliding fee scale according to ability to pay.

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GENERAL HEALTH