Overview
Established in 1972 under the Older Americans Act, the Senior Nutrition Program has long supported the nutritional health and well-being of older adults. In South Carolina, the program provides nutritious meals, nutrition education, and meaningful opportunities for social connection. Services are offered in a variety of settings, including senior centers, community meal sites, and directly to homebound individuals, reaching older adults in all 46 counties. The program is designed to support healthy aging by helping seniors maintain their independence and remain safely in their homes; while providing the tools and information they need to make informed, health-promoting decisions.
Data from the 2024 National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants reveals:
- 74% of congregate meal participants and 85% of home-delivered meal participants say they eat heathier because of the program.
- 75% of congregate meal participants and 93% of home-delivered meal participants feel the program helped them to live independently.
How We Help: Reducing Senior Hunger, Food Insecurity, Malnutrition
The South Carolina Department on Aging's (SCDOA) senior nutrition programs are funded by Older Americans Act (OAA) funds and State Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) funds.
The goals of the program are to:
- Reduce hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition
- Promote socialization of older adults
- Promote the health and well-being of older individuals by assisting such individuals to gain access to nutrition and other disease prevention and health promotion services; so as to delay the onset of adverse health conditions resulting from poor nutritional health or sedentary behavior
The program achieves these goals through:
- Group dining programs
- Home delivered meals programs
- Nutrition education/consultation
- Opportunities for socialization
- Referrals to other nutrition assistance programs
The meals are available at no cost to eligible participants; however, voluntary contributions are welcomed. These contributions help extend services and support more older adults, but no one is ever denied a meal due to inability or unwillingness to contribute.
Both group dining and home-delivered meals are required to align with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans and must provide at least one-third of the recommended daily intake for key nutrients. Registered Dietitians play a role in the meal planning process, ensuring nutritional quality, while client feedback is also incorporated to support satisfaction.
Group Dining Meals (Congregate Nutrition Sites)
Group dining programs are offered at community nutrition sites and senior centers throughout South Carolina. Along with nutritious meals, participants enjoy opportunities for social interaction, health education, and meaningful volunteer roles.
Eligibility
- An individual aged 60 or older.
- A spouse of any age of a 60+ program participant.
- An individual with a disability who resides with a 60+ participant or who resides in a housing facility that is primarily occupied by older adults where congregate meals are served.
Home-Delivered Meals
The Home-Delivered Meals program provides nutritious meals and nutrition education to older adults who are homebound. Beyond nutrition, these deliveries offer valuable social contact and serve as informal wellness checks.
Eligibility
- Adults aged 60 and older who are homebound due to illness, disability, or geographical isolation.
- A spouse of any age of a 60+ program participant.
How to Find Nutrition Services in My Area
The SCDOA contracts with and oversees 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that coordinate Group Dining and Home Delivered Meal services to older adults and adults with disabilities.
Contact your designated AAA and inquire about available nutrition services in your area.
Resources
The South Carolina Senior Nutrition Program