UPMC Nutrition Services
County Nutrition Services
Nutrition Resources
Paying for Nutrition Services
Accessing Nutrition Services

Maintaining Optimal Nutrition
Meeting daily nutritional requirements is essential for older adults to maintain their health and well-being. A number of nutrition services exist to educate older adults of their dietary needs and provide regularly prepared nutritional meals.

UPMC Nutrition Services
On a regular basis, UPMC sponsors events and classes that focus on maintaining nutrition health. Classes include:

• personal consultations with a registered dietitian/nutritionist
• education programs for individuals living with certain diseases and conditions
• seminars designed to promote healthy weight loss and management

In addition, UPMC offers patient education materials that focus on a range of nutrition topics.

County Nutrition Services
Allegheny County offers a variety of meals and benefits for seniors in our area. These include:

• Congregate (Shared) Meals
  For adults age 60 or older who enjoy dining in a group setting, congregate meals are available at senior centers throughout the area. Meals must meet 1/3 of the Required Dietary Allowances and must be reviewed and approved by a registered dietitian. Nutritious meals are served at least once a day. There is no obligation to dine every day - older adults may attend as frequently as desired for five or more days a week. Individuals with special dietary restrictions should talk with the senior center to learn what accommodations are available.
  
  To locate a congregate meal program at a senior center near you, search
  Pennsylvania Senior Centers Listed By Counties, or contact the local Area Agency on Aging.
  
  The Meals on Wheels Association of America provides a directory of congregate meal providers throughout the nation.
  
  
• Home-Delivered Meals
  For older adults with health conditions that prevent them from shopping for food or preparing meals for themselves, home-delivered meals programs are available to help them meet their nutritional needs. Home-Delivered Meals (also know as Meals-on-Wheels) is a federally funded program designed to help meet the nutritional needs of older adults age 60 and older who are homebound. Volunteers deliver the meals to the person’s home. Meals must meet 1/3 of the Required Dietary Allowances and must be reviewed and approved by a registered dietitian. Individuals with special dietary restrictions should talk with the senior center to learn what accommodations are available.
  
  To locate a home-delivered meals program at a senior center near you, search
  Pennsylvania Senior Centers Listed By Counties, or contact the local Area Agency on Aging.
  
  The Meals on Wheels Association of America provides a directory of Meals on
  Wheels providers throughout the nation.
  
  
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
  (formerly called the Food Stamp Program)
  To help eligible low-income individuals purchase nutritious meals at local grocery stores and supermarkets, the Department of Public Welfare offers an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card. This card works like a bank debit card. For information on the eligibility requirements and how to apply for SNAP, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare website or contact your local county assistance office.

Paying for Nutrition Services
Education classes and events vary as to whether a fee is associated. See the course description for cost information or contact the phone number provided for additional information.

For both the Congregate and Home-Delivered Meals programs, fees may not apply but donations are accepted and encouraged.

No fee is associated with receiving EBT ACCESS card benefits.

Accessing Nutrition Services
Contact us to learn more about the nutrition services and meal assistance programs available or e-mail us your questions.