Nutrition Services

Montana Nutrition Services Program Manual

2022 Senior Center Survey Report

Food and Nutrition Programs for Elder Adults

A variety of food and nutrition programs are offered through the Aging Network in Montana. They are funded by federal Older Americans Act and USDA funds, state and local dollars, and client contributions.

The main goal of the programs is to enable older adults to remain healthy and independent, living in their homes and communities. Additional benefits include:

  • Promoting health and preventing disease
  • Reducing malnutrition risk and improving nutritional status
  • Reducing social isolation
  • Linking older adults to community services

Who's Eligible for Services?

  • Elder individuals aged 60 years of age and older
  • Spouses of any age residing with an eligible elder
  • Disabled individuals residing with an eligible elder
  • Disabled individuals residing in housing facilities for the elderly where a congregate site exists
  • Others may participate, but they must pay the full cost of the meal.

Congregate Meals Program

Montana has about 170 congregate meal sites around the state. The majority of these sites are senior centers, but churches, fraternal organizations, nursing homes, and restaurants also serve as meal sites.

Meals must comply with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Each site determines the frequency of meals served per week. Over 1,000,000 congregate meals are served annually to more than 25,000 Montanans.

For more information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging at (800) 551-3191.

Home-Delivered Meals

Home-delivered meals are targeted to those older adults who are unable to get to meal sites for a congregate meal. The vast majority of home-delivered meals are served hot, but they can be delivered cold, frozen, dried, canned, or as supplemental foods. Meals must comply with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Each site determines the frequency of meals served per week. More 600,000 home-delivered meals are served annually to about 6,500 Montanans.

For more information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging at (800) 551-3191.

Nutrition Education Programs

Aging meal sites provide nutrition education that promotes better health by providing accurate and culturally sensitive nutrition, physical fitness, or health (as it relates to nutrition) information and instruction to participants. For more information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging at (800) 551-3191.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers a supplemental food package to Montana residents aged 60 and above who meet the income-eligibility requirements.

The monthly food package supplements an elder's existing diet and contains a variety of foods with important nutrients for older adults. USDA foods in CSFP align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and contain reduced amounts of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar. CSFP was designed to help meet the dietary needs of healthy older adults; however, the variety of foods offered are appropriate for several common diet-related health conditions among older adults.

For more information on the program and how to apply, please visit the Commodity Supplement Food Program webpage.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

This United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program has awarded grant funding to Montana DPHHS, Senior and Long-Term Care Division, Aging Services Bureau, who is partnering with the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition (CFAC) to provide this great service.

This program serves older adults 60 years of age and older. They must meet income requirements - 185% of the federal poverty level. The program is currently serving about 1,700 Montana older adults.

Participants receive coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw honey produced in Montana. Coupons can only be redeemed at participating summer farmer's markets from June 1 through October 31. Look for the SFMNP / SNAP Vendor Poster to know if a farmer accepts SFMNP coupons. 

Participant applications become available by early June of each year, and older adults who are interested in receiving SFMNP coupons are encouraged to contact their local Area Agency on Aging.

Currently 13 distribution sites in 23 communities are participating in the program. Farmers interested in accepting senior coupons during the farmers' markets in the participating area are required to complete an agreement and take part in a brief annual training. 

For more information on this program and farmer training, visit CFAC, or contact James Keys james@missoulacfac.org with the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition (CFAC) at (406) 926-1625.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

Nutrition Consultations

The Aging Services Bureau contracts with Jaime Larese, a registered dietitian from Helena, to offer consultations regarding nutrition issues relating to older adults, menu planning, food safety issues at senior meal sites, and other related health issues.

For more information, contact the Montana State Office on Aging, (800) 332-2272 during normal business hours.