The Older Americans Act

THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT (OAA) has been the primary piece of federal legislation supporting social and nutrition services to Americans age 60 and older since 1965. OAA programs are vital for seniors who are at significant risk of hunger, isolation and of losing their ability to live independently. Title III of the OAA establishes a grant system to fund programs that address the unique needs of vulnerable seniors.

These include services such as:
  • Home-delivered meals and meals served in group
  • settings such as senior centers
  • Transportation services
  • Personal care and homemaker services
  • Caregiver assistance

Texas OAA Nutrition Programs

PROGRAM PROFILE

TOTAL OLDER AMERICANS ACT NUTRITION EXPENDITURES
TOTAL LEVERAGED NUTRITION PROGRAM EXPENDITURES
SENIORS SERVED BY MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAMS

Home-Delivered
Congregate

MEALS SERVED BY MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAMS
Home-Delivered
Congregate

CLIENT PROFILE (seniors receiving OAA nutrition or other supportive services)

  • 46% Live in Poverty
  • 47% Belong to a Minority Group
  • 29% Live in a Rural Community

FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS

Funding for OAA programs is provided through the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS-Education) annual appropriations bill, and dollars are allocated to states based on a formula. Since FY 2010, federal OAA Appropriations to Texas’s nutrition programs have fallen while the need is escalating at an unprecedented pace.


 

$32,277,902
$74,408,242
134,760

63,442
71,318

16,401,162
11,558,470
4,842,692

WE CAN PROVIDE

Nutrutious meals to a senior for an entire year FOR LESS THAN $1,135.

THE OAA covers 43% of that cost. Programs rely on contributions from state, local, private donations and other resources to cover the rest.