Subdivision 1. Program goals. It is the goal of all agencies on aging and senior nutrition programs to support the physical and mental health of seniors living in the community by:

(1) promoting nutrition programs that serve senior citizens in their homes and communities; and

(2) providing, within the limit of funds available, the support services that will enable the senior citizen to access nutrition programs in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.

Subd. 2. Authority. The Minnesota Board on Aging shall allocate to area agencies on aging the state and federal funds which are received for the senior nutrition programs of congregate dining and home-delivered meals in a manner consistent with federal requirements.

Subd. 3. Nutrition support services. (a) Funds allocated to an area agency on aging for nutrition support services may be used for the following:

(1) transportation of home-delivered meals and purchased food and medications to the residence of a senior citizen;

(2) expansion of home-delivered meals into unserved and underserved areas;

(3) transportation to supermarkets or delivery of groceries from supermarkets to homes;

(4) vouchers for food purchases at selected restaurants in isolated rural areas;

(5) food stamp or food support outreach;

(6) transportation of seniors to congregate dining sites;

(7) nutrition screening assessments and counseling as needed by individuals with special dietary needs, performed by a licensed dietitian or nutritionist; and

(8) other appropriate services which support senior nutrition programs, including new service delivery models.

(b) An area agency on aging may transfer unused funding for nutrition support services to fund congregate dining services and home-delivered meals.

History: 1996 c 451 art 6 s 10; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 1 s 106; 2014 c 312 art 27 s 51