Now Seeking Vendors to Help Feed Our Seniors
East Texas Council of Governments and Area Agency on Aging • June 30, 2020
The East Texas Council of Governments
(ETCOG) and the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) are seeking vendors to provide meals to East Texas seniors through its Senior Nutrition Program. The purpose of this Request for Proposals
(RFP) is to establish multiple providers and suppliers for the Senior Nutrition Program to provide nutritious hot lunchtime meals, deliver frozen and/or shelf stable meals and meal site supplies and products to our designated locations in the identified counties of Camp, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rains and Wood to serve individuals who are sixty (60) years of age or older, or spouses/caregivers. Meals are delivered to homebound clients by paid staff and volunteers. The AAA may elect to award more than one contract per service area for the delivery of hot lunchtime meals, frozen meals and/or supplier of products.
The AAA is an organizational and operational division of the ETCOG and authorized to provide services to the senior population and recipients of Medicare of the 14 counties in the East Texas region. The AAA actively works to improve the quality of life of the region’s senior population, those 60 and above and to Medicare/Medicaid recipients needing benefits counseling. This is accomplished through the various programs operated through the agency which include nutrition; information, referral, and assistance; ombudsman; case management and advocacy; benefits counseling; residential repair; and caregiver in-home institutional services; transportation, and caregiver support. The AAA’s primary focus is to help the elderly maintain their health and independence and remain in their homes and communities with dignity and respect for as long as possible.
The Older Americans Act, as amended, provides funds for nutrition services for persons sixty (60) years of age and older. Hot, nutritious meals provided, at a congregate site, five days a week, except with an approved waiver from the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and with home-delivered meals available to those who are not physically able to attend the meal site. Congregate meals are funded under provisions of the Older Americans Act, Title III, Section C.1. Home-delivered meals are funded under the Older Americans Act, Title III, Section C.2, Title XIX of the Social Security Waiver and Title XX of the Social Security Act.
The East Texas Area Agency on Aging (ETAAA), a program of the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), is inviting the public to review and comment on our 2027 to 2029 Area Plan. ETAAA serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Planning and Service Area 4, a fourteen-county region in East Texas. The Area Plan outlines our strategy to strengthen the Aging Services Network and address the needs of people age 60 and older, family caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. It also guides how we plan, coordinate, and oversee services supported by the Older Americans Act and other state and local initiatives. Our mission is to serve as the region’s leader in advocating for and delivering services that enable older adults to live independently, with dignity and purpose, in their homes and communities. Our vision, “Age Well, Live Well, ” reflects a person-centered approach focused on better choices, improved health, and access to nutritious food. We call it “Serving One Senior at a Time.” The 2027–2029 Area Plan is guided by a needs assessment incorporating data, service trends, and stakeholder input. Key priority needs include access to home- and community-based services, caregiver support, transportation, nutrition and food security, social isolation, healthcare access and chronic disease management, and improved service coordination and system navigation. How to share your input Public comments will be accepted through April 26, 2026 . Submit comments by mail or email: Mail: Area Agency on Aging, 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, TX 75662 Email: Colleen.Halliburton@etcog.org
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) opened a new congregate meal site in Marshall on Monday, December 15th. Older adults, aged 60 and up, eligible for the Senior Nutrition Program will be able to enjoy a hot lunch, good conversation, and a friendly place to gather. Location George Washington Carver Community Center 2302 Holland St Marshall, TX 75670 Meal Hours Monday–Thursday 11:00 AM–12:30 PM Phone 903-923-8410 The Senior Nutrition Program supports adults age 60 and older through both congregate meals and home-delivered meals. These meals follow dietary guidelines and help older adults stay connected and healthy. For folks who can’t travel, home-delivered meals bring food, a wellness check, and a bit of company to their door. How to Enroll Adults age 60 and older can join the Senior Nutrition Program by contacting the provider for their county listed at: easttexasaaa.org/nutrition , or by receiving a referral from AAA staff. Caregivers who care for someone receiving home-delivered meals may also be referred for services by calling AAA. The Carver Community Center site will give more Marshall and Harrison County residents a place to eat, visit, and keep a steady routine. If you or someone you know could benefit, contact the AAA for assistance!
