A Meal Program Every Alabama Senior Should Know About

Many older adults in Alabama may not be aware there’s a free meal program available to help them stay nourished and connected. The Alabama Elderly Nutrition Program, run by the Alabama Department of Senior Services, offers hot meals and social activities at 335 senior centers statewide. Each county has at least one center, often located in schools or churches, where seniors can gather for a meal, engage in fun activities and spend time with others.

For seniors who can’t leave home, the program delivers meals right to their door. This might be a daily hot meal or a weekly box with five frozen meals. There’s no income requirement to qualify. Participants just need to be 60 or older, a spouse of an eligible senior, or a person with a disability younger than 60 living alone or with an eligible participant. Be sure to let your patients know about this valuable service. It’s a great program to bring up during patient conversations, especially when you see older adults who might benefit from some extra nutrition and social connection. They can sign up by calling their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) at 1-800-AGELINE (1-800-243-5463).

Visit https://alabamaageline.gov/elderly-nutrition-program/ for more information about the program.