Through senior centers in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties, TARCOG offers nutritious meals to help ensure older adults stay healthy and energized.
In 2025, through the nutrition program, 4,121 seniors in the region received 397,493 meals through the nutrition program, said Director of Aging Programs Sheila Dessau-Ivey.
With the exception of holidays, hot meals are served Monday through Friday at senior centers or packaged and delivered to homebound individuals by volunteers.
Senior centers promote healthy lifestyles by providing meals, recreation, exercise and a variety of activities. The region has 38 centers open to anyone 60 or older, as well as spouses of any age. Contributions are encouraged, with a suggested minimum of $1.25 per meal, if possible.
Health and wellness programs are designed to serve seniors with the greatest economic or social needs, and there is no income limit for eligibility.
For those who are homebound and in need of food assistance, TARCOG may be able to provide home-delivered meals to help maintain independence. While hot, nutritious meals are available through senior centers, there may be a waiting list for home delivered meals, Sheila said.
“We serve as many as we can,” Sheila said. “And we solicit donations from communities to help minimize wait lists whenever possible because our goal is to enhance nutrition and reduce food insecurity.”
“At the TARCOG Area Agency on Aging, we’re here to support health, wellness and independence,” Sheila said. “A big part of that is making sure people are eating nutritious meals.”
TARCOG also assists with applications for food assistance programs, helping seniors access resources to live independently.
Staff are available to assist households in which all members are age 65 or older with no earned income through the Alabama Elderly Simplified Application Project, a major outreach effort aimed at reducing barriers to participation in the Food Assistance Program.
Many seniors face challenges applying for food assistance, including transportation, mobility and disability. This food assistance outreach program is designed to streamline the process and improve delivery of benefits to eligible households.
“TARCOG is here to support older adults so they can live independent and fulfilling lives,” Sheila said.
Contact TARCOG today to learn more about our elderly nutrition program by reaching out to our Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 256-830-0818.
Example of a hot meal served at a local senior center.