AoA coordinates activities with other federal departments and agencies, administers grants, and collects and disseminates information related to the problems of older Native Americans. Grants to Native Americans Under Title VI of the Older Americans Act, grant awards are made directly to tribal and native organizations representing American Indian, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian organizations to provide supportive and nutrition services, including congregate and home-delivered meals. Nutrition services are a major component of tribal Title VI programs. Native elders receive nearly three million congregate and home-delivered meals annually.
Most sites provide hot congregate meals four to five times a week.
In addition to providing meals, nutrition education, screening, and counseling, Title VI programs are important resources for social interaction and supportive services. For example, congregate meal programs provide Native elders with important opportunities to meet with friends, participate in recreation and other activities, and take trips to other elder programs or state and national meetings. Other vital supportive services can include outreach, family support, legal assistance, and transportation to meal sites, doctor s appointments, and grocery shopping. Most programs offer health-related services, such as podiatry screening and blood pressure monitoring. Since 1994 AoA has awarded grants to two universities to establish National Resource Centers for Older Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.