Weighing the benefits of congregate meal programs

Weighing the benefits of congregate meal programs

Congregate meal programs, which serve meals to elders in group settings, provide healthy meals and social engagement for elders. The Administration for Community Living analyzed the benefits for congregate meal participants under Title III-C services in the infographic, "Congregate Meal Programs: A Value Proposition" (PDF, 64 KB, 1 pg.). Most participants said they experienced improved health, and many participants expressed that congregate meals offered them more social opportunities. Under Title VI, tribal organizations are eligible for grants to provide congregate meals, along with other nutrition services. During 2017, 269 3-year grants were awarded to tribes and tribal organizations for Title VI nutrition and supportive services. An analysis of 13 of these programs showed that more than half of the grantees served between 101–500 congregate meals in their first year.