The resources highlighted on this page can help to provide access to nutritious food for tribal elders.
Financial Support: Federal Programs and Grants
Administration for Community Living (ACL)
The increased isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the economic hardship, has placed elders at a greater risk for food insecurity. Tribal leaders can ensure that elder care providers and caregivers are utilizing food security supports provided by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), such as through Title VI of the Older Americans Act. American Indian tribes, Alaskan Native villages, and local entities serving native people should work with states to secure assistance for native elders in urban areas and reservations.
Title VI of the Older Americans Act
ACL funds supportive and nutrition services to older Native American people (American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians) through Title VI of the Older Americans Act. The program covers services such as transportation, home-delivered and congregate nutrition services, information and referral, and a wide range of home care services. Title VI funds are awarded directly by ACL to Indian Tribal organizations, Native Alaskan organizations, and nonprofit groups representing Native Hawaiians.
Title VI includes 3 programs that identify eligibility criteria for and authorized services by that section:
- Part A is the Indian Program.
- Part B is the Native Hawaiian Program.
- Part C is the Native American Caregiver Support Program.
Parts A and B include nutrition services and supportive services under these criteria. Part C includes, among others, supplemental services that provide nutrition services in compliance with Part C of Title III.
Title III of the Older Americans Act
Title III of the Older Americans Act provides nutrition and related supportive services to designated state units on aging who work through local and community networks for service delivery. Title III funds are awarded based on state populations of people 60 years and older. The Older Americans Act targets services to people most in need, which includes people who live in rural areas, are American Indian, are non-English speaking, minorities, older adults, and those who are frail and low-income.
