Nutrition Services

Montana’s Aging Services Bureau offers a range of food and nutrition programs designed to support the health, independence, and well-being of older adults. These programs are funded through the federal Older Americans Act, USDA grants, state and local contributions, and participant donations.

The primary goal is to help older Montanans remain in their homes and communities while maintaining good health. Additional benefits of these programs include:

  • Promoting health and preventing disease
  • Reducing the risk of malnutrition and improving nutritional status
  • Decreasing social isolation
  • Connecting older adults to essential community services

 

Nutrition services are available to a wide range of individuals, with priority given to older adults and those living with or near them. Eligibility includes:
  • Older adults aged 60 years and older
  • Spouses of any age residing with an eligible older adult
  • Disabled individuals residing with an eligible older adult
  • Disabled individuals residing in housing facilities for older adults where a congregate meal site exists
  • Others may participate, but they must pay the full cost of the meal.

Montana is home to more than 160 congregate meal sites serving older adults across the state. While most sites are located in senior centers, meals are also offered in churches, fraternal halls, nursing homes, and restaurants.

All meals meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and each site sets its own schedule for how often meals are served. Every year, more than 590,000 congregate meals are provided to more than 17,000 Montanans — supporting nutrition, connection, and community.

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

Home-delivered meals are targeted to those older adults who are unable to travel to congregate meal sites. While most meals are delivered hot, they may also be provided cold, frozen, dried, canned, or as supplemental foods — depending on the site and participant needs. All meals meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Each local site sets its own delivery schedule. Every year, more than 940,000 home-delivered meals are provided to approximately 8,300 older Montanans, helping them maintain health and independence at home.

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

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) helps eligible older adults access fresh, locally grown foods during the summer months. Funded by the USDA and administered in Montana through a partnership with Farm Connect Montana, the program currently serves about 1,700 older adults across the state.

Participants aged 60 and older who meet income guidelines (185% of the federal poverty level) receive coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw honey from Montana growers. Coupons are valid at participating farmers markets from June 1 through October 31. Look for the SFMNP / SNAP Vendor Poster to identify authorized vendors.

Applications become available in early June each year. Interested individuals should contact a participating local agency.

Currently, 33 farmers markets in 14 counties are participating. Farmers who wish to accept SFMNP coupons must complete an agreement and attend a brief annual training.

For more information on this program and farmer training, visit Farm Connect, or contact Ian Finch at (406) 439-5331, or Tessa Bailly at (406) 444-6061

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

Congregate meal sites and home-delivered meal programs offer nutrition education designed to support better health and well-being. Participants receive accurate, practical information on nutrition, physical activity, and related health topics to help them make informed choices and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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

Explore this five-part video series covering the basics of healthy eating, meal planning, and nutrition for older adults.

Area Agencies on Aging and nutrition providers can access essential tools and guidance here to support the delivery of senior nutrition services across Montana. Materials include policy templates, intake forms, contribution letters, and operational documents to help ensure consistent, high-quality program administration.