Where possible providers arrange for transportation to meal sites and provide outreach efforts to others so the maximum number of eligible individuals may participate. Nutritional providers are required to offer older persons at least one free meal daily, 5 or more days a week. Each meal is to assure a minimum of one-third the daily recommended dietary allowance. Providers are to furnish special menus to meet particular dietary needs of the elderly.

Congregate Nutritional Services provide meals in a group setting. Services also include nutrition education, nutrition counseling (normal and therapeutic nutrition), and opportunities for socialization. Participants are provided an opportunity to contribute to the cost of the meal. Project facilities and operations conform to health and safety standards and provide safe, wholesome, and nutritious meal services.

Home-delivered Nutritional Services are available to people age 60 or older who are homebound by reason of illness, incapacitation, disability, or are otherwise isolated. Spouses of such persons, regardless of age or condition, may also receive home-delivered meals, if according to criteria determined by the area agency receipt of the meal is in the best interest of the homebound older person. Because homebound meal recipients are usually older and frailer, screening and referral services are stressed. Some home- delivered meals programs provide their clients with weekend and holiday meals, therapeutic diets, and two-meal-per-day services. In addition, nutrition education and nutrition counseling are available.