1135.005.10 Communal Dining – DSS Manuals

IM-93 September 16, 2004 , IM-53 March 23, 2000

Communal dining facilities include senior citizens’ centers, apartment buildings occupied primarily by elderly persons, any public non-profit private school (tax exempt) that prepares meals especially for elderly persons during special hours, and certain other public or non-profit private establishments (tax exempt) that prepare and serve meals for the elderly. Also included are private establishments under contract with a state or local agency to offer, at concessional prices, meals prepared especially for the elderly. Such facilities may accept food stamp benefits only after authorization by FNS.

An individual may be approved to purchase meals prepared at a communal dining facility if that individual is:

60 years of age or older, or

a recipient of SSI, and

not a resident of an institution or a commercial boarding house.

The spouse may also purchase meals from a communal dining facility regardless of age.

In determining eligibility for communal dining, complete an investigation as with any other application.