*New -  Senior (Elderly) Nutrition Services: Review of Funding Allocations 

CGS § 17a-851 requires the state’s five area agencies on aging (AAAs) to assess the nutrition risk of older people in their service areas and report individual and average scores to the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), which distributes both federal and state matching funds to the AAAs for senior nutrition programs. 

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The Senior Nutrition Program (also known as the Elderly Nutrition Program) provides nutritionally balanced meals to individuals 60 years of age and over and their spouses. The program offers these adults the opportunity to live independently in their community by providing socialization and informal support networks. Meals are served at congregate meal sites, known as “Senior Nutrition Providers”. The cafes are located in senior centers, elderly housing facilities, schools, churches, restaurants and other community settings. The program also provides nutrition screening, assessment, education and counseling to help participants meet their nutritional need. Home delivered meals may be provided to adults age 60 and older who are homebound or isolated.

• Provides meals and related nutrition services in congregate settings.
• Provides home-delivered meals and related nutrition services for older individuals who are homebound or isolated and unable to go to a community café.
• Presents opportunities for social engagement, information on healthy aging and meaningful volunteer roles which contribute to an older individual’s overall health and well-being.

• Federal and State funds pay the program costs.
• Voluntary donations are encouraged and used to provide additional program meals.

• 60 years of age or older, or a spouse of an eligible participant.
• A person with a disability under 60 years of age who lives with an older person.
• A person with a disability under 60 years of age living in an elderly housing facility which has congregate meals sites.

• 60 years of age or older, homebound or isolated and qualify for home delivered meals as determined by an assessment

• have greatest economic or social needs.
• are low-income and low-income minorities.
• live in rural areas.
• have limited English proficiency.
• are at risk of institutional care.