Aging Nutrition Program

If you are an older adult, a caregiver,  or loved one of an older adult in Tennessee, who needs assistance with meals, food boxes, or access to groceries please contact your local Area Agency on Aging by calling:

1-866-836-6678

The Aging Nutrition program provides meals, socialization, and nutrition education  and counseling to adults aged 60 and over. These services are provided in over 150  congregate settings (including senior centers, community organizations, or senior  housing), as well as home-delivered meals to older adults who qualify in all 95  Tennessee counties. Click here to find a congregate meal site near you.  

In 2024, the Aging & Disability network provided more than 3.5 million meals to older adults in Tennessee.  

Good nutrition is critical to supporting independent and healthy aging. A healthy diet may reduce the risk of memory loss and confusion and can improve overall health.  Many barriers can keep older adults from maintaining good nutrition, including lack of financial resources, lack of transportation or transportation options, limited mobility, declining physical and mental health, and social isolation. 

How do I sign-up for a meal? 

To find out more about congregate and home-delivered meal options in your area, contact your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability at 1-866-836-6678. They can assist you with eligibility and provide the locations of nutrition sites in your community. 

Congregate Meals

  • There are over 150 locations across the state.
  • Meals may be available Monday through Friday, except on holidays. Contact the site closest to you for specific days and times meals are served. 
  • Meals are available to anyone 60 and over, as well as their spouses. 
  • Meals may be provided at no cost, but donations are welcome. 

Home-Delivered Meals

  • Home-delivered meals help those who are sick or have difficulty accessing food receive a nutritionally balanced meal at home. 
  • Meal delivery volunteers provide a friendly visit and safety check. 
  • Meal eligibility is assessed via an intake assessment, provided by a case manager through the local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD). 

Programs offered outside of DDA

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition assistance initiative administered in Tennessee by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This program may be a bridge to help Tennesseans obtain nutrition resources. To see if you qualify for SNAP and/or to apply, please visit their website. 

 

To learn more about the Aging Nutrition Program please contact the Nutrition Director, Keita Cole, at Keita.Cole@tn.gov.