Federal nutrition services for American Indian and Alaska native elders

American Indian and Alaska native elders have a poverty rate of 61% and a life expectancy between 3 and 4 years less than that of the general older U.S. population. In 1978, Congress enacted a separate title under the Older Americans Act to address some of the special needs of American Indian elders. Since enactment of specific provisions for American Indians, Congress has continued to amend the Older Americans Act to ensure that the nutritional needs of American Indian elders are addressed. Currently, federal nutrition services are provided to American Indian and Alaska native elders through both Title III, Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging, Part C, Nutrition Services, and Title VI, Grants for Native Americans, of the Older Americans Act. In fiscal year 1987, more than 52,000 American Indian and Alaska elders received meals from congregate nutrition sites and/or home-delivered meals.