4.28.2021-  The 2020 census data needed for updated county grant amounts is not yet available. TDA has determined for the HDM 2022 program year, the county grant amounts will be based on the 2010 census numbers. 

Counties can bring TDA dollars to their communities by making qualifying grants to meal providers. County grants should be based on the county seniors as reported by the census: 2010 Census Numbers per County. <--- Click here for the minimum County Grant needed.

* A grant equivalent to $0.25 per county senior as reported in the 2010 census qualifies meal providers for funds under the Program.  

* County grants at rates less than $0.25 per county senior will qualify providers for correspondingly smaller TDA grants.

If a county has multiple meal providers, the individual county qualifying grants will be totaled to determine the County's overall participation level.

A nonprofit or governmental agency that delivers meals to homebound elderly (60 or older) or disabled individuals are eligible to apply for a grant through the Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program.  In order for providers to qualify, they must:

• Receive a grant from the county in which meals are delivered, documented through a signed county resolution form.
• Deliver meals during the previous fiscal year to homebound elderly (60 or older) or disabled individuals.
• Complete a required application with accurate meal numbers.

TDA staff will work with meal providers and their counties to ensure all qualified applicants receive funding. 

Grant ProgramTimeline

• September 1 – November 1 each year: Administrative review to ensure applications are complete with required information. Applications submitted prior to November 1 will be allowed to submit supplemental information, if needed. However, ALL information must be complete and submitted to TDA by November 1.
• November to early December: TDA works with the Department of Aging and Disabilities (DADs) and the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to determine number of eligible meals for grant calculations
• Mid December: TDA sends email verification to every applicant to confirm the number of eligible meals. A response is required from every provider.
• Late December: Calculate awards and send notice of grant award letter and grant agreements.
• January: Meal providers return signed grant agreements to TDA
• February 1 each year: First half of the grant award is paid out and meal providers will be required to document expenditures through quarterly performance reports.
• August 1 each year: Second half of the grant award is paid out.
• TDA program staff will monitor grantees and perform desk reviews at periodic times throughout the grant cycle.