Meals and Food - Ohio Department of Aging

Meals & Food

Nearly 111,000 older Ohioans benefit annually from community nutrition programs, which leverage $42.5 million in federal funding with money from local senior services levies, donations and volunteers. Most nutrition providers are private, non-profit agencies that serve meals at senior centers and other community locations.

Nutrition services are available to all Ohioans age 60 or older in all 88 Ohio counties. However, availability may vary locally and priority is given to frail, homebound, or isolated older adults and consumers of Medicaid home and community-based waiver programs.

Meals Services Include:

Home-delivered Meals - Perhaps better known to many as "Meals on Wheels," this service provides safe and nutritious meals delivered to the door of an older Ohioan. These meals are crucial to individuals who have limited mobility, are homebound or lack transportation. Participants can receive up to three meals a day at no cost, though most programs welcome donations.
Congregate Meals - In addition to safe and nutritious meals, congregate meals provide opportunities for social interaction and activity. Sites include senior centers, churches and other community focal points.

Nutrition programs offer more than a just a meal. Skilled nutritionists and other professionals in the aging network also provide nutrition education, counseling and risk screening. Contact your Area Agency on Aging or local Senior Center for information on meals and nutrition programs in your area.

In addition, the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program gives older residents with limited incomes in 16 Ohio counties coupons they can redeem for free, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from authorized farmers’ markets and roadside stands.