Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian promotes health and independence during Senior Nutrition Program Month

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Blue banner reading “Celebrate the Senior Nutrition Program 2026 • Serving Up Solutions” with a pot and heart icons. — *Celebrate the Senior Nutrition Program in 2026 as we continue serving up solutions for our community’s seniors.*

Each March, the Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian joins communities nationwide in celebrating Senior Nutrition Program Month, raising awareness about nutrition services that support the health and well-being of older adults.

California’s Older Adult Nutrition Programs have been funded by the Older Americans Act since 1972 and are administered in part by the Administration for Community Living, which provides grants to states to support nutrition programs and services for older adults.

In San Bernardino County, the nutrition program helps address food insecurity and promotes better health for more than 14,000 older adults throughout the county. One of the program’s greatest successes is helping older adults maintain their health and independence by providing access to balanced, nutritious meals and nutrition-related supportive services through the congregate and home-delivered meal programs.

Congregate meal sites provide welcoming spaces where older adults can gather, share meals and participate in activities that promote health, independence and well-being. For many older adults, these sites offer opportunities to socialize and reduce feelings of isolation while receiving meals that meet recommended dietary guidelines. By combining nutritious food with opportunities for connection and engagement, the program supports both physical and emotional health.

Home-delivered meals are available to eligible older adults who are unable to shop for or prepare food on their own. The service helps older adults remain healthy, independent and connected to needed support.

The 2026 theme, “Serving Up Solutions,” highlights the creativity, innovation and collaboration that define the Senior Nutrition Program. The success of the department’s nutrition program would not be possible without the dedication of staff, volunteers and community partners who work tirelessly to serve older adults across the county. Their efforts ensure meals are prepared with care, delivered safely and served in welcoming environments where older adults feel valued and supported.

During Senior Nutrition Program Month, department staff also emphasize nutrition education and healthy lifestyle choices. Through workshops, informational materials and community outreach, older adults can learn more about healthy eating habits, hydration and maintaining an active lifestyle. Together, we can continue to promote healthy aging, foster social connection, and ensure that older adults have the resources they need to thrive.

For more information about nutrition services, program eligibility or other department programs, please call Senior Information and Assistance at 800-510-2020 during normal business hours or visit the Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian website. Be sure to check out our new interactive resource locator tool to find the nearest congregate meal site and more! To report suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect or unsafe living conditions of an older adult or individual with disabilities, please call the 24-hour toll-free Adult Protective Services hotline at 877-565-2020.

Additional County Update News – March 12, 2026