Serving Our Seniors

Meal Programs Continue During Pandemic

The Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Arkansas, Inc. along with providers, David Boone Ministries, Inc., Calhoun County, and Community Living Arrangement (CLA) continue to offer congregate, and home delivered meal programs throughout 12 counties in southwest Arkansas.  These programs are a part of The National Senior Nutrition Program under the Older Americans Act (OAA).

Additionally, Magnolia Housing Authority and Opportunities, Inc. provide a noon meal exclusively to their residents. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church is a provider of home-delivered meals for Doddridge/Miller and Lafayette Counties.

According to Alison Barkoff, Acting Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging, “Since March of 1972, the [National Senior Nutrition] program has provided millions of meals, created opportunities for older people to connect with others and stay engaged in the community, and has helped connect older adults to other health and wellness programs offered in the community.”

This time last year, the Area Agency moved emergency funds into the meal programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to support these programs to the best of their ability. With more people than ever isolated in their homes due to COVID-19, these programs have become vital. Our providers have met the challenges head-on, overcoming the difficulties to meet the altered and increased needs of older adults in our rural communities.

As meal programs monitor and adjust to the pandemic, the congregate meals program continues in the form of a drive-thru, pick-up. Home-delivered meals have continued as before with increased numbers. Disbursement dates, however, vary among senior centers and are subject to change, again, due to the pandemic.

An individual over the age of 60, may qualify for meal programs based on certain criteria. The senior center team will assess the client for approval for home delivered meal status. For your convenience, you can complete and submit your application online on the bottom half of our contact page by clicking here.

Another option is to contact the case manager for your county listed at the bottom of our about page here.

You may also contact your local senior center at the numbers listed below.