How Do I?

Outside California

Call 1-800-677-1116
Eldercare Locator

For information on services for seniors or adults with disabilities who live outside California.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)

For one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, friends, and caregivers.

    Older Californian Nutrition Program Banner

    Meal Programs

    Nutritious Meals for Older Californians

    A woman with a bright smile sits at a table with others, sharing a joyful experience together.

    For over 50 years, the Older Californians Nutrition Program (OCNP), also known as the Senior Nutrition Program, has been helping older adults stay healthy, independent, and connected.

    Through two Older Americans Act meal programs, the OCNP ensures that older adults receive nutritious meals and social interaction:

    • Congregate Meals Program – Enjoy healthy meals in a friendly group setting, either in person or virtually.
    • Home-Delivered Meals Program – For those unable to attend in person, meals are brought right to their door.

    Both programs also provide:

    • Nutrition education to promote healthy eating habits
    • Nutrition screening to identify nutrition risk factors
    • Personalized nutrition counseling (not offered in all areas)

    Participants of the meal programs are given the opportunity to voluntarily contribute toward the cost of meals, however, no eligible person will be denied a meal for choosing not to contribute.

    How To Find Services In My Area

    Are you looking for nutritious meals and support for yourself or a loved one? The OCNP offers both congregate meals and home-delivered meals across all 58 counties in California.

    The California Department of Aging partners with 33 local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to coordinate these services to ensure older adults have access to healthy meals and social support.

    How to Get Started

    • Find your local AAA by selecting your county on the "Find Services in My County" page of this website.
    • Contact your local AAA to learn about meal programs available in your area.
    • Get connected with nutritious meals and valuable community resources.

    What Services Are Available

    Congregate Meals Program

    Enjoy Nutritious Meals and Community with the Congregate Meals Program

    A group of senior individuals joyfully celebrating together at a restaurant, sharing laughter and smiles.

    Eating well is essential for staying healthy and active, and the Congregate Meals Program offers older adults the opportunity to enjoy nutritious meals in a welcoming group setting. This program provides an opportunity to connect with others, form friendships, and build support networks while enjoying delicious, well-balanced meals.

    Why Participate?

    This program is designed to:

    • Reduce hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition
    • Support overall health and well-being
    • Foster social connections and a sense of community

    What’s Included?

    • Nutritious meals that meet federal nutrition guidelines
    • Nutrition education and wellness resources
    • Opportunities to volunteer

    Who Can Get Congregate Meal Services?

    You are eligible if you are:

    • 60 or older
    • A spouse of a participant (any age)
    • A person with a disability living at a site where the program is provided

    Home-Delivered Meals Program

    Enjoy Nutritious Meals and Support with the Home-Delivered Meals Program

    An older woman hands a bag to a younger woman, both smiling in a friendly exchange.

    The Home-Delivered Meals Program provides older adults with healthy meals delivered right to their homes. In addition to meals, this program offers wellness checks and connections to other support services—helping older adults stay independent and safe in their own homes.

    Why Participate?

    This program is designed to:

    • Deliver at least five meals per week to reduce hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition
    • Promote health and well-being with nutritious meals and nutrition education
    • Reduce social isolation with regular check-ins from caring staff and volunteers

    What’s Included?

    • Nutritious meals that meet federal dietary guidelines
    • Nutrition education and nutrition risk screening to support wellness
    • Wellness checks and links to other supportive services

    Who Can Get Home-Delivered Meal Services?

    You are eligible if you are:

    • 60 or older and have limited ability to leave home unassisted or to shop for and prepare nutritious meals (AAAs may have additional eligibility criteria).
    • A spouse of a participant (any age)
    • A person with a disability living with a program participant

    Program Data

    For past and current program data visit the Data and Reports sections of the website.