General Information

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Program Regulations and Guidelines

This manual contains the policies and procedures for the Santa Clara County Senior Nutrition Program’s (SNP) Neighborhood Meals on Wheels (NMOW) Program. The operation standards for SNP are based on the following regulations and guidelines.

1. Older Americans Act (OAA) Title IIIC as amended
2. California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 22 Division 1.8 as amended
3. California Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Code of Federal Regulations as amended
4. Current California Retail Food Code (CalCode)
5. Current Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs)
6. Santa Clara County Nutrition Standards
7. Best Food and Nutrition Practices

Nutrition Services Goals and Objectives

The purpose of the Senior Nutrition Program is to provide nutrition services as described in the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965, as amended, and to assist older individuals to live independently, by promoting better health through improved nutrition, and reduced isolation through programs coordinated with nutrition-related supportive services.

The Santa Clara County Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) has been providing nutrition services to the residents of Santa Clara County since 1974. Two distinct services are provided: The Congregate Meals Program and the Home Delivered Meals (HDM) Program. Both programs serve people 60 years of age and older.

 

Requirements for Home Delivered Meal Providers

Neighborhood home-delivered meal providers shall administer the Senior Nutrition Program by utilizing the following guidelines:

1. Operate the negotiated number of service days and meals per day.
   1. Meals may be hot, cold, or frozen as defined in the contract.
   2. Therapeutic or modified diets may be provided where feasible and appropriate.
2. Target zip codes or areas as specified in the County contract.
3. Serve all eligible individuals.
4. Verify receipt of meals by complying with Sign-In policy and procedures for NMOW. All individuals that receive a meal must sign in on the Sign-In Sheet or similar forms. The sign in process is mandatory for all registrants.
5. Provide written instructions on handling and reheating of meals. It is recommended that instruction be provided in the language most spoken among the participants.
6. Comply with Post Pandemic Standard of Operations.
7. Comply with the current California Retail Food Code (CRFC or CalCode) and with local health department requirements regarding safe and sanitary preparation and service of meals.
8. Comply with the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), California of Industrial Relations requirements regarding staff and participant safety.
9. Comply with all County requirements relating to COVID-19 for persons who routinely perform services for the Senior Nutrition Program including but not limited to vaccination, as applicable and periodically updated, and available at https://covid19.sccgov.org/home.
10. With the consent of the older person or his/her representative, notify appropriate officials regarding conditions or circumstances which place the older person, or the household, in imminent danger.

Post Pandemic Standard of Operations

Effective July 1, 2023, the Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) will return to standard operations in accordance with state and local regulations. This document provides guidance for resuming standard and/or allowable adapted operations for the Title IIIC Older Californians Nutrition Program (OCNP). 

C-2 Meals

The SNP also offer nutrition services to homebound older adults via Home Delivered Meals (HDM) or Neighborhood Meals on Wheels (NMOW).  Post pandemic, To-Go Meals can be provided at locations that do not offer virtual interaction during mealtimes. The following are categorized as C-2 meals:    

1. C-2 To-Go Meals without Virtual Interaction
   1. Meals are allowed for pick-up by the eligible client or client’s agent.
   2. In-person or virtual interaction is not available during mealtimes.
   3. Eligibility Criteria
      1. Any individual 60 years of age and older who is frail and homebound by reason of illness, disability, or otherwise isolated. The term “otherwise isolated" may be interpreted as isolation related to not being comfortable with dining in a group setting.
      2. A spouse of eligible person, regardless of age or condition, if an assessment concludes that it is in the best interest of the homebound older individual.
      3. An individual with a disability who resides at home with the eligible person if an assessment concludes that it is in the best interest of the homebound older individual.
      4. Sites or providers unable to serve all clients eligible for the C-2 To-Go Meals must have a wait list and a prioritization policy.
   4. Enrollment in the C-2 To-Go Meals is required to receive service.  Clients cannot switch back and forth with indoor dining. 
   5. Assessments are required for participation in C-2 To-Go Meals.
      1. Initial assessments are required within 2 weeks of the start of service. Assessments can be conducted in-person at time of meal pick-up or via telephone.  For clients who are unable to pick up their own meals, assessments must be conducted in the home.
      2. Quarterly eligibility reassessments are required.  If meals are picked up via C-2 To-Go, quarterly reassessments can be completed at time of meal pick-up or via telephone.  For clients who are unable to pick up their own To-Go meals, the quarterly eligibility reassessments must be conducted in the home every other quarter.  If a client declines in-home reassessment, the visit may be conducted in-person at the client's door, virtually (FaceTime, Zoom, etc.), or over the phone and the reason documented in the client file.
2. SNP Home Delivered Meal (HDM) and Neighborhood Meals on Wheels (NMOW) 
   1. Meals are home-delivered to the clients by the nutrition provider.
   2. Eligibility Criteria
      1. Any individual 60 years of age and older who is frail and homebound by reason of illness, disability, or isolation.
      2. A spouse of eligible person, regardless of age or condition, if an assessment concludes that it is in the best interest of the homebound older individual.
      3. An individual with a disability who resides at home with the eligible person if an assessment concludes that it is in the best interest of the homebound older individual.
   3. Assessments are required for participation in HDM and NMOW program. 
      1. Initial assessments are required within 2 weeks of the start of service. Assessments must be conducted in-person in the clients’ home. 
      2. Quarterly eligibility reassessments are required and can be done via phone.  One in-home visit per year is required for the quarterly reassessment.
3. Clients receiving meals via C-2 Meals cannot simultaneously access the dine-in option at any of the SNP sites. 
4. Submission of Monthly Report and Invoice/Monthly Expenses Reimbursement Request are required for C-2 To-Go Meals without Virtual Interaction, HDM, and NMOW.
5. Separate sign-in sheets will need to be maintained for each program.