Food is one of the most basic of human needs, yet it is something many of us take for granted. Some people who are homebound are unable to prepare their own meals. Others may choose not to cook a hot and nutritious meal or want to eat alone. For those individuals, a home-delivered, or congregate meal is the answer. Nutritious meals and or socialization at mealtime may mean the difference between independence in their own home or institutionalization.
Nutritionally balanced and healthy meals are approved by a registered dietician, meeting one third of the daily-recommended dietary needs of adults aged 60 or older, as established by the USDA.
The Northeast Nebraska Area Agency on Aging (NENAAA) contracts with several entities to provide congregate and home-delivered meals. Meals are offered on a suggested contribution basis for all eligible individuals.
Congregate Meals
There are numerous senior centers and nutrition sites in our service area that serve congregate meals five days a week, Monday through Friday. Several of the centers are now serving evening and breakfast meals to accommodate the needs of the 60+ person.
Eligibility for congregate meals:
- Any person aged 60 or over
- The under 60 spouse of any person aged 60 or over dining with their spouse
- A disabled person under age 60 who resides in housing facilities occupied primarily by older persons at which congregate nutrition services are provided
- A disabled individual who resides at home with and accompanies an older individual eligible under the Older Americans Act (OAA)
Home-Delivered Meals
NENAAA contracts with several locations to provide home-delivered meals. Well-balanced meals are delivered to the homebound by volunteers or paid drivers Monday through Friday. Meals are available at some locations on Saturday and Sunday for those who have extreme nutritional needs.
Eligibility for home-delivered meals:
Eligibility for a home-delivered meal with priorities given to:
- Any person aged 60 or over who is frail, homebound by reason of illness or incapacitating disability, unable to attend a congregate meal
- A spouse of #1 above, regardless of age or condition, may receive a home-delivered meal if the Area Agency on Aging criteria concludes that it is in the best interest of the homebound older person
- A dependent individual with a disability that lives with a person 60 years of age or older that is eligible for a home-delivered meal
Eligibility for a home-delivered meal with preferences given to:
- Low-income older adults including low-income minority older adults
- Older adults with limited English proficiency
- Older adults residing in rural areas