Nutrition
Nutrition
(209) 626-7595
Adequate and proper nutrition can help maintain the health and independence of senior citizens. Merced County Area Agency on Aging nutrition services use Federal Older American Act funds to help meet the nutritional needs of citizens aged 60 years or greater. All meals served are assessed by a registered dietitian to assure they provide a minimum of one-third the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of nutrients. Meals are provided free of charge. Participants are provided the opportunity to contribute to the cost of the meal, however, no eligible individual will be denied service if they cannot contribute to the cost of the meal.
Congregate Nutrition Services provide lunch on weekdays, except holidays, for a small suggested donation at seven locations throughout Merced County. It is a great way to get a nutritious meal, to meet other seniors, and to participate in various activities. Anyone 60 years of age or older and any accompanying spouse of an eligible participant is eligible to receive a meal. No eligible participant will be denied a meal because of their inability to donate. Project facilities and operations conform to health and safety standards and provide safe, wholesome, and nutritious meal services to any eligible person in Merced County.
The Merced County Area Agency on Aging enters into contract with the Merced County Rescue Mission to provide this service to area seniors. For more information, call (209) 385-7550.
People, age 60 or older, who are homebound by reason of illness, incapacity, or disability, or who are otherwise isolated may be eligible to have nutritious meals delivered to their home. Because homebound meal recipients are typically older and more frail, they are usually referred to the program by a hospital, family member, or other referral service. Area Agency on Aging staff will complete an assessment to determine if referred people are eligible for Home-Delivered Meals.
Most home-delivered meals programs provide their clients with five meals a week. In Merced County, five, ready to heat meals are delivered by staff once per week. Quarterly nutrition education is available to all participants.
The Merced County Area Agency on Aging enters into contract with Taher, Incorporated to provide this service to area seniors. For more information, call (209) 385-7550.
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a 100% federally funded program which provides low-income seniors with check booklets that can be used to purchase eligible foods at any Certified Farmers' Market. SFMNP booklets are available starting in May until local supplies last or through the end of November.
More Information
Call the Merced County Area Agency on Aging at (209) 385-7550 to check for eligibility and availability.
Congregate Nutrition
Congregate Nutrition Services provide lunch on weekdays, except holidays, for a small suggested donation at seven locations throughout Merced County. It is a great way to get a nutritious meal, to meet other seniors, and to participate in various activities. Anyone 60 years of age or older and any accompanying spouse of an eligible participant is eligible to receive a meal. No eligible participant will be denied a meal because of their inability to donate. Project facilities and operations conform to health and safety standards and provide safe, wholesome, and nutritious meal services to any eligible person in Merced County.
More Information
The Merced County Area Agency on Aging enters into contract with the Merced County Rescue Mission to provide this service to area seniors. For more information, call (209) 385-7550.
Home-Delivered Meals
People, age 60 or older, who are homebound by reason of illness, incapacity, or disability, or who are otherwise isolated may be eligible to have nutritious meals delivered to their home. Because homebound meal recipients are typically older and more frail, they are usually referred to the program by a hospital, family member, or other referral service. Area Agency on Aging staff will complete an assessment to determine if referred people are eligible for Home-Delivered Meals.
Most home-delivered meals programs provide their clients with five meals a week. In Merced County, five, ready to heat meals are delivered by staff once per week. Quarterly nutrition education is available to all participants.
More Information
The Merced County Area Agency on Aging enters into contract with Taher, Incorporated to provide this service to area seniors. For more information, call (209) 385-7550.
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a 100% federally funded program which provides low-income seniors with check booklets that can be used to purchase eligible foods at any Certified Farmers' Market. SFMNP booklets are available starting in May until local supplies last or through the end of November.