What types of food assistance are available?

For seniors and disabled adults in Middle Tennessee there are several food assistance programs that help ensure access to nutritious food.

Meals on Wheels/Home Delivered Meals

Home-delivered Nutrition Services provide meals and related nutrition to older individuals who are homebound due to illness, disability, or isolation, as mandated by the Older American’s Act (OAA). At minimum, home-delivered nutrition services provide a meal, five (5) or more days a week. No eligible person is denied a meal due to their inability to pay.

The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) contracts home-delivered meal services to receive funding through the OAA and the Tennessee Commission of Aging and Disability (TCAD). GNRC ensures that each facility develops and implements policies regarding fiscal management, food service management, safety and sanitation, and prioritizing populations with the highest economic and social risk.

Read more about home delivered meals, including how to qualify and who to contact regarding meals, read the "How do I get home-delivered meals?" article.

Group/Congregate Meals

Group meals, also known as congregate meals, provide seniors with nutritionally balanced meals and the opportunity to socialize and participate in program activities with other seniors. Congregate meals are available to adults over 60 years of age or older and their spouses, with priority given to those at the greatest social and economic risk.

Read more about congregate meals by visiting the "What are group meals? Can I benefit from them?" article.

Find a congregate meal site near you by visiting the "Is there a congregate meal site near me?" article. 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP, widely known as food stamps, provides monthly benefits to qualified individuals to purchase groceries at approved grocery stores and farmer markets. Benefits are distributed to individuals using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Residency, citizenship status, household income and size are factors in determining SNAP eligibility. Work requirements are also a factor for able-bodied adults between 16 and 59 years old.

Here in Tennessee SNAP is administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS). Visit the DHS website for more information about SNAP, including Eligibility Information, Apply for Services and more information on how EBT Cards. Use the Office Locator to find your local DHS office’s location and phone number.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) – Davidson County

Administer by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CSFP improves the health of senior 60 years of age and older by supplementing their diets with monthly food packages. Food packages include a variety of nutritious foods including canned fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products, whole grain cereals and pasta, and a variety of protein including lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans.

Locally, CSFP is administered by the Tennessee Department of Health through the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Participants in the program must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Currently, this program is only available to residents of Davidson County, applicants for the program should contact Second Harvest directly, either through their online portal or calling at (615) 329-3491.

• Food Box Distribution Sites

Additionally, participants of CSFP are eligible for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) which sends seniors eight $5 checks each year. To apply for SFMNP, contact the TN WIC Central Office by calling (615) 532-8173.

Have more questions? Call Our Helpline
Call our Information and Assistance Hotline to learn more about any of GNRC's programs and services. 615-255-1010 or 866-836-6678