Meals can be prepared on site, made at a central location and then transported to individual sites in bulk for cafeteria service, or catered in individual packages. Menus, serving schedules, and variety of foods vary across the country. Volunteers often set up, serve, and clean up. Anyone at least age 60 years and his or her spouse can attend the congregate meals. These meal programs must try to serve the most socially and financially needy elderly people.
Some programs also serve younger people who have disabilities.
However, no one meeting the age standard is turned away. Meal sites are in central locations close to where low- income elderly people live. These locations are often senior centers, schools, churches, senior housing complexes, or community centers. There are meal programs in rural as well as urban areas. Generally, reservations are required at least one day in advance.