Senior Nutrition Program
WA DSHS HCLA
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Washington's Senior Nutrition Program runs under the federal Older Americans Act. The state runs it together with local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and community providers. The state publishes Senior Nutrition Program Standards (revised 2025) that set the rules for menu planning, food safety, and nutrition quality. Meals usually come in one of two ways: group meals at senior centers and other community sites, or meals delivered to the homes of seniors who cannot get out. The program also points people to other nutrition resources, food banks, and the Basic Food (SNAP) program for more food help.
Who qualifies
What it covers
Cost
How to apply
Where to get this in Washington
50 organizations deliver this program. Coverage varies, so check the area each one serves.
Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County
Senior center in Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County. Senior centers are the most-underrated stay-home resource. Most are free or donation-based, with classes, fitness, lunch, and social activity. Operated by Aberdeen Senior Center.
Seattle, King County
ACRS multi-language senior program in Seattle's Rainier Valley for Asian and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults 55 and older, with weekday meals, fitness, dance, art, and civic engagement classes.
Seattle, King County
Vietnamese-language ACRS senior lunch hosted Saturdays at the Buddhist Cultural Center of the Northwest in Seattle for adults 60 and older.
Seattle, King County
Korean-language ACRS congregate senior lunch hosted Tuesdays and Fridays at Miller Community Center in Seattle for adults 60 and older.
Kent, King County
Nepali-language ACRS congregate senior lunch hosted Tuesdays at Nepali Wellness in Kent for adults 60 and older.
Auburn, King County
Korean-language ACRS congregate senior lunch at Pyung An Seniors Academy in Auburn, served Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for adults 60 and older.
Seattle, King County
Korean-language ACRS congregate senior lunch hosted Tuesdays and Fridays at Center Park Community Hall in Seattle for adults 60 and older.
East Wenatchee, Adams County
Free public agency that helps older adults and people with disabilities in central Washington find in-home care, caregiver support, nutrition, transportation, and benefits help.
Spokane, Ferry County
AAA for the Spokane region; one number connects callers to information, caregiver support, dementia help, Medicaid in-home care, Medicare counseling, and nutrition.
Yakima, Asotin County
Council-of-governments AAA covering eight southeast Washington counties; one call connects callers to information & referral, case management, nutrition, caregiver support, and Medicaid in-home care.
Vancouver, Clark County
Free public AAA for the Vancouver/Longview area covering five counties; one stop for caregiver assistance, dementia resources, in-home help, kinship care, Medicare counseling, and WA Cares Fund support.
Seattle, King County
Largest Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander multiservice nonprofit in the Pacific Northwest, culturally and linguistically responsive aging, behavioral health, food, and case management services in King County.
Where to go from here
A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is a structured eight-week class developed at Boston University and managed nationally by MaineHealth. Trained coaches lead small groups through discussion and gentle exercises that help participants reduce fear of falling, set realistic goals for activity, change environments to lower fall risk, and exercise to increase strength and balance. The CDC recognizes it as an evidence-based fall prevention program. In Washington it is hosted by Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers, hospitals, and faith communities.
ACRS Care Transitions
ACRS Care Transitions gives short-term help to adults coming home after a hospital stay. Staff help them follow their discharge plan, manage medications, get to follow-up appointments, and connect with ongoing community resources. It works alongside the ACRS Health Home program, which offers longer-term Medicaid care coordination through a health plan built around each person's needs.
ACRS Case Management for Older Adults
ACRS case managers, who speak many languages, meet with homebound older adults and adults with disabilities to understand their needs and build a full care plan around them. The goal is to help older adults live safely at home with support from their families and caregivers. Staff pay close attention to the language and cultural needs of Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities.
ACRS Food Bank
The ACRS Food Bank gives out healthy foods that fit people's cultures, including rice, tofu, noodles, and fresh produce, matched to the diets of Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander families across King County. Anyone in the community can use it, but the food is chosen for Asian and Pacific Islander cooking that most food banks don't carry.
Not sure this one fits your situation? Your local Area Agency on Aging can check what you qualify for and point you to the right programs, for free. No one will sell your information, and no one will cold-call you.
Source www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/senior-nutrition-program
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