Millions of older Americans lack access to the quantity and quality of food necessary to maintain health and decrease the risk of disability. The Older Americans Act requires that Nutrition Programs provide meals and related nutrition services that promote health and help manage chronic disease. Older Americans participating in the Congregate Nutrition Program have the opportunity to improve their health status and reduce their risk of disability through lifestyle behaviors emphasized within the Congregate Nutrition Program, through healthy meals, and culturally appropriate nutrition education and physical activity programs. During FY 2003 total expenditures for congregate meals were $621 million.
 
Survey Content and Results

The congregate meals questionaire covered the following topical areas: