Food & Nutrition
Food & Nutrition
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Nutrition becomes increasingly important as we age. These resources provide information on cooking healthy and affordable meals, ideas for making the kitchen more accessible, and programs that help older adults access free or affordable groceries. Additional resources cover programs that prepare meals for older adults who no longer wish to or are unable to cook.
Click on the v-shaped arrow to the right of each program description to view more information.
Cooking
Cooking
Free recipes and nutritional information provided by the Nutrition and Aging Resources Center developed specifically for older adults.
Free recipes and cook books designed for older adults provided by the CSFP developed by non-profits and state agencies including the USDA.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/sharing-gallery/recipes-cookbooks
Cook for Your Life provides free recipes separated into multiple categories including by preparation methods and health concerns.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 1100 Fairview Ave N, Mailstop M4-B402, Seattle, WA 98109
Email: can send a message through the "Contact Us" page of website
Website: https://www.cookforyourlife.org/
The article provides recommendations for older adults on how to make cooking accessible and increase flavor without compromising nutrition.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Phone: (413) 538-9020
Website: https://accesscarepartners.org/healthy-cooking-for-older-adults-and-individuals-with-disabilities/
The program provides individuals who have or are at risk of cardiovascular disease with education and activities to develop and maintain a heart healthy lifestyle through exercise, nutrition, stress management, and overall health education.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Individuals with cardiovascular disease or who are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease
Address: 7667 Folsom Boulevard, Room 3030, Sacramento, CA 95826
Phone: (916) 278-4402
Email: csuscvwellness@gmail.com
Groceries
Groceries
CalFresh provides financial assistance to purchase food at grocery stores or farmers' markets. Eligibility and the amount of benefits a household can receive depend on how many people live in the household, countable household income, and household expenses. There are special rules for households with at least one older adult or person with a disability that may make it easier to qualify for benefits or increase the monthly benefit amount.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Californians who meet household financial eligibility criteria (contact program for details; financial qualifications are easier to meet if the household includes at least one person over the age of 60 or who has a qualifying disability)
Phone: (877) 847-3663 (statewide hotline); (916) 874-3100 (Sacramento); (209) 744-0499 (Galt)
Website: http://calfresh.dss.ca.gov/food/
Note: to see if you may be eligible for CalFresh and apply on-line, go to any of these websites: https://www.getcalfresh.org/, or https://benefitscal.com/; older adults may also get assistance applying for CalFresh through local foodbanks, the Area Agency on Aging, and other local non-profit organizations.
The Elk Grove Food Bank opens its warehouse for food distribution exclusively for older adults on Fridays mornings ("Senior Hour"). The food bank also distributes Senior Boxes monthly (registration in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program required) and helps older adults apply for CalFresh.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: residents of Elk Grove who are 60 or older
Address: 9888 Kent Street, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Phone: (916) 685-8453
Email: Vanessa@egfbs.org
This program delivers food boxes to clients who are physically unable to come to the food bank due to a medical condition.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: must live in a zip code served by the Elk Grove Food Bank (95624, 95757, 95758, 95828, and 95829) and be physically unable to come to the food bank
Address: 9888 Kent Street, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Phone: (916) 685-8453
Email: Vanessa@egfbs.org
Website: https://elkgrovefoodbank.org/find-food/
Note: applications can be mailed to Elk Grove Food Bank, PO 1447, Elk Grove, CA 95759 or emailed to Vanessa@egfbs.org.
This searchable database helps users find local food pantries, soup kitchens or food banks.
Natomas Unified School District operates this free food locker behind Natomas High School where families in the Natomas area can pick up canned or dried foods.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 3301 Fong Ranch Road, Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 870-1659
Email: oortiz@natomasunified.org
Website: https://www.natomasunified.org/community/joeys-food-locker
Clients can pick up free groceries and fresh food twice per month from the food bank. There are also several monthly mobile distribution locations.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Sacramento County residents (targeted to Orangevale and Fair Oaks residents)
Address: 6483 Main Ave, Orangevale, CA 95662
Phone: (916) 238-8868
Email: info@ovfofb.org
Website: https://www.ovfofb.org/
Client can pick up food once a month from this foodbank. This is a distribution site for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services Food For Seniors program
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 10600 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Phone: (415) 574-9642
Email: can send message through Contact Us page on the website
The River City Food Bank distributes food at two locations in Midtown and Arden-Arcade. Clients can pick up a three-day supply of food and non-food items through the Emergency Food program. There are also programs that provide additional food to low-income older adults and to medically-fragile individuals. Outreach staff are available to assist with CalFresh applications.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Sacramento County residents
Address: 1800 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 and St. Matthew's, 2300 Edison Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821
Phone: (916) 446-2627
Email: email@rivercityfoodbank.org
Website: https://rivercityfoodbank.org/
Users can search for local food pantries and other food distribution sites by entering their zip codes.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone may search database, some food pantries may have eligibility requirements
Phone: (916) 456-1980
Email: info@sacramentofoodbank.org
Website: https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/find-food
Note: local food pantries can also be located by calling 211 or searching the database at https://www.211sacramento.org/211/
Low-income older adults may apply to receive a free box of groceries each month. Boxes may be picked up at various distribution centers around the county.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Sacramento County residents who are 60 or older and meet the program's income eligibility requirements (contact the program for details)
Address: see website or contact program for a list of distribution sites
Phone: (916) 456-1980
Website: https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/food-for-seniors
Clients can pick up food boxes once per week. Boxes contain a mix of perishable and non-perishable items.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Sacramento County residents
Address: 3213 Orange Grove Ave., North Highlands, CA 95660
Phone: (916) 678-4010
Email: can send message through Contact Us page on website
Website: https://sacramento.salvationarmy.org/sacramento_metro/family-services
Note: pick-up days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am until 1pm
This program provides one box of fresh produce and other locally-grown food items between May and September to eligible older adults.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older who meets income criteria (see website or contact program for details)
Address: California Department of Food & Agriculture, Office of Grants Administration, 1220 N Street, Room 120, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 654-0466
Email: Grants@cdfa.ca.gov
Website: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/SeniorFarmersMrktNutritionPrgm/
Note: boxes are normally distributed at farmers' markets, but during the COVID-19 pandemic distribution is being handled by local food banks
This community-based organization provides food to those in the Galt area.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Galt residents
Address: 220 6th Street Galt, CA 95632
Website: https://sunshinefoodpantrygalt.org/
Residents of Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and Granite Bay can get groceries from this food bank. In addition to distributing groceries on site, Twin Lakes Food Bank delivers groceries to senior centers and to homebound older adults.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: residents of Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and Granite Bay
Address: 327 Montrose Drive, Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 985-6232
Email: info@twinlakesfoodbank.org
Website: https://www.twinlakesfoodbank.org/
Prepared Meals
Prepared Meals
Anyone 60 or older can enjoy lunch at one of many All Seasons Cafés throughout Sacramento County. Several of these sites are listed below, but check the Meals on Wheels by ACC website for the most current information and complete list of locations.
Cost: no cost (donations accepted)
Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older; some sites allow caregivers or others to eat for a fee
Address: 7375 Park City Drive, Sacramento, CA 95831
Phone: (916) 444-9533
Email: info@mowsac.org
The Chabolla Community Center normally serves meals Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 12:30pm.
Cost: no cost (donations accepted)
Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older
Address: 600 Chabolla Avenue, Galt, CA 955632
Phone: (209) 366-7130
Email: galtseniorresctr@gmail.com
Website: https://www.cityofgalt.org/government/parks-recreation/activities/senior-activities
Enjoy a hot lunch, meet new friends, and play games Monday through Friday from 11:30am to 12:30pm.
Cost: no cost (donations accepted)
Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older
Address: 915 27th Street, Sacramento CA 95816
Phone: (916) 808-5462
Note: new participants must complete an application to reserve a box, call (916) 444-9533 to sign up; check with the program for updates on reopening for in-person dining
Cost: no cost (donations welcome)
Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older
Address: 4000 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95820
Phone: (916) 422-7610 ext. 14
Website: https://www.southgaterecandpark.net/recreation/senior-programs/
Note: pre-registration is required
Hot lunches are served Monday through Friday from 11am until 1:00pm.
Cost: no cost (donations accepted)
Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older
Address: 3271 Marysville Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: (916) 808-6439
Email: hagginwoodreserve@cityofsacramento.org
Website: https://www.cityofsacramento.org/ParksandRec/Community-Centers/JoeMimsJrHagginwoodCtr
Meals are available Monday through Friday at 11:45am (by appointment).
Cost: no cost (donations welcome)
Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older
Address: 4701 Gibbons Drive, Carmichael, CA 95608
Phone: (916) 444-9533
Website: https://www.morpd.com/meals-on-wheels-lunch-program
Using produce from the community garden, this senior center provides lunches consisting of fresh salads, sandwiches, soups, and homemade baked goods every Wednesday at 11:30am.
Cost: $5-6
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 3480 Routier Road, Sacramento CA 95827
Phone: (916) 361-1262 or (916) 366-3133
Email: customerservice@cordovarpd.gov
Website: https://crpd.com/programs/active-senior/
Note: must sign up in advance
To-go meals are available for pickup Monday through Thursday at 11:00am (reservations required).
Cost: no cost (donations accepted)
Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older
Address: 810 Oak Lane, Rio Linda, CA 95673
Phone: (916) 991-5929
Website: https://www.rleparks.com/adult-activities
Note: check with the program for updates on reopening for in-person dining. Senior meals available Monday through Thursday at 11:30am.
Cost: no cost (donations accepted)
Who Is Eligible: anyone 50 or older
Address: 450 W. El Camino Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: (916) 927-1819 or (916) 927-1303
Website: https://www.stanfordsettlement.org/program-details.html
This congregate meal site has temporarily switched to providing to-go meals every Monday morning from 10:30am until 11:30am. Please check with program staff for the latest information about in-person dining.
Cost: no cost (donations accepted)
Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older
Address: 7801 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Phone: (916) 725-1585
Email: sunrise@sunriseparks.com
Website: https://www.sunriseparks.com/meals-on-wheels-meal-pick-up
Note: participants must call in advance to make a reservation; check with the program for updates on reopening for in-person dining
This program delivers either hot or frozen meals to homebound clients' homes. Additional benefits may include regular friendly visits, supplemental food such as produce, and, for those with pets, dog or cat food.
Cost: no cost (donations accepted)
Who Is Eligible: must living in Sacramento County, 60 or older, primarily homebound, unable to easily prepare nutritious meals, lacking consistent assistance with daily activities, and are able and availble to accept meals during the 2 hour delivery time frame.
Address: 7375 Park City Drive, Sacramento, CA 95831
Phone: (916) 444-9533
Website: https://www.mowsac.org/our-meals/home-delivery/
Note: call to schedule an initial assessment
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This page was originally created by Virgil Ullman. Last updated 3/30/2026
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