No one is turned away. Meals For Homebound Older Adults Volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals to older adults who are homebound and unable to take part in the Center programs. The Hidden Problem of Malnutrition A problem that can easily go undetected among older adults is malnutrition. As people age, those living alone often find preparing meals difficult, and those with low incomes are apt to skip meals because purchasing food is costly. Malnutrition significantly increases hospital stays and direct medical costs.
Malnutrition is a major factor in readmission to hospitals.
Why Meals Are Provided To prevent malnutrition among the elderly, in 1972 Congress enacted the National Nutrition Program for people age 60 and over, especially those with low incomes. The purpose of the program is to provide nutritious meals. It also reduces the loneliness older adults may experience by giving them opportunities to share their meals with others, make new friends, and enjoy stimulating activities. The Salvation Army began the Kane County Nutrition Program for older adults in 1974, creating five centers that year. In 1982, they added two sites in Kendall County, and in 1987, seven sites in McHenry County opened.