Mathematica Report: Process Evaluation of Older Americans Act Title III-C Nutrition Services Program

The Title III-C Nutrition Services Program (NSP), administered by the Administration on Aging (AoA) within the Administration for Community Living of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under the Older Americans Act (OAA), represents a key component of America’s strategy for ensuring that the health and social needs of older adults are adequately met. By promoting access to nutritious meals, facilitating social contact, supporting family caregivers, and helping older adults maintain their dignity in their homes and
communities, the NSP fits squarely within the strategic goals of the AoA to rebalance long-term care provision away from institutionalization and toward home- and community-based services.

The mission of the AoA, now a part of DHHS’s Administration for Community Living, is to develop a comprehensive, coordinated, and cost-effective system of long-term care that helps older adults maintain their dignity in their homes and communities. As part of its ongoing efforts to support program planning, improve program efficiency, and strengthen program effectiveness, AoA contracted with Mathematica Policy Research to conduct the Title III-C NSP Evaluation.
The three-part evaluation consists of (1) a process evaluation of program administration and service delivery, (2) an analysis of program costs, and (3) an evaluation of the impact of the program on client outcomes. This report summarizes the findings of the process evaluation, using data collected from SUAs, AAAs, and LSPs, to assess the ways in which the program
operates to serve older adults.