Weekend home-delivered meals in Elderly Nutrition Programs

The federally funded Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) became law in 1972 as Title VII of the Older Americans Act. Its purpose was to "provide older Americans, particularly those with low incomes, with low cost, nutritionally sound meals served in strategically located centers... where they can obtain other social and rehabilitation services". Besides promoting better health among older people through improved nutrition, the program was aimed at reducing the isolation of old age and offering older Americans an opportunity to live their remaining years in dignity. Since 1972, the program has grown significantly, accounting for annual expenditures of approximately $1 billion and representing some 244 million meals served each year. Of these meals, 144 million were served in a congregate setting and 100 million were home-delivered meals