Senior Nutrition Options in Santa Clara County

For many older adults in Santa Clara County (SCC), regularly consuming nutritious and balanced meals is not taken for granted. The aging process can come with gradual loss of physical mobility and autonomy and so formerly simple tasks like getting groceries, preparing a meal, or even cleaning the kitchen can become barriers to a healthy diet. 

To address this need, the County of Santa Clara has offered the Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) since 1973.

For homebound older adults 60 years of age and older, the County partners with Sourcewise and other local organizations to provide home-delivered meals. There are frozen, fresh, and ethnic options available depending on the client’s home address.  

For older adults 60 years of age and older who are not homebound and either struggle to prepare meals or desire an opportunity to socialize, there are over 35 SNP congregate meal sites scattered across SCC. In 2023, over 1.8 million hot meals were served. SNP works with registered dieticians to develop meals that meet one-third of the daily nutrient requirements for older adults and meet the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  

Beyond merely providing hot meals, SNP also provides daily opportunities for older adults to socialize. Many SNP sites host events concurrently with the daily meal service, such as games, crafts, dancing, music, education, and more. All events are designed to not only encourage older adults to have fun, but also to build community with other seniors.  

Programs funded by the Older American Act request voluntary contributions to support continued availability of the program. Monetary voluntary contributions are welcomed in any amount and are handled confidentially. Eligible individuals will not be denied access to the program if they are unable to contribution to the program.

If you’re interested in learning more about what senior nutrition options may be available to you, call (408) 350-3200, option 1 to speak to a Community Resource Specialist today.