Nutrition services offered with the support of Title III funding through the Older Americans Act ensures that nutritionally complete meals are available to seniors through congregate meal settings or the provision of home-delivered meals.

Congregate Meal Program – nutrition services provided at local congregate meal sites located within area senior centers. Senior centers provide a nutritionally sound meal, fellowship with other older members of the community, and engaging activities. These sites promote health and active interaction within the local aging communities.

• Central Mississippi Area Agency on Aging Nutrition Sites
• East Central Area Agency on Aging Nutrition Sites
• Golden Triangle Area Agency on Aging Nutrition Sites
• North Central Area Agency on Aging Nutrition Sites
• South West Mississippi Area Agency on Aging Nutrition Sites

Home Delivered Meals Program– delivers meals to homebound older adults who are unable to prepare food for themselves and who are potentially at risk for early institutionalization. A home-delivered meal is a hot, cold, frozen, or other appropriate meal provided to an eligible homebound person in his/her home which (Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended (OAA), Section 336): The Home Delivered Meals are provided for a minimum of five meals per week. Recipients of this program span all eighty-two counties of Mississippi.

Knowing where to turn for help is the first step toward getting it. That first step is made easier through information, assistance, outreach and local focal points designated by DAAS or the AAAs. These points for information and assistance usually are the AAAs, senior centers, adult day care centers or community action agencies and link older adults to needed services and follow up to ensure that needs are met. Visit  Administration on Aging.

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

CACFP is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and directed by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). DAAS administers CACFP funding for nine Adult Day Care Centers (ADCs) who participate through their respective regional AAAs. Participation in the program is for public and non-profit ADCs who serve adults aged 60 or older and non-residential adults who are functionally impaired. Participant reimbursement is income-based.

• List of Senior Centers/Adult Day Care Centers in Mississippi 

Legal Assistance and Advocacy services protect and assist the elderly to secure their rights and benefits, and promote a higher quality of life. Services include:

• Referrals for legal assistance for older persons who need legal advice, a consultation and/or representation.

Elder abuse prevention activities and public information programs that focus on issues to help prevent abuse, fraud, and exploitation.

Jackson County Senior Companion Program provides grants to qualified agencies and organizations for the dual purpose of engaging persons 55 and older, particularly those with limited incomes, in volunteer service to meet critical community needs; and to provide a high-quality experience that will enrich the lives of the volunteers. Program funds are used to support Senior Companions in providing supportive, individualized services to help older adults with special needs maintain their dignity and independence.