Benefits · Nutrition
How to apply for Hernando County Senior Services Nutrition Program
Hernando County Senior Services — operates under Elder Options PSA 3 Area Agency on Aging designation
Who it's for
Hernando County's Senior Services Department delivers Older Americans Act Title III nutrition services directly — an in-house county delivery model similar to Hillsborough Aging Services and Miami-Dade CAHSD. Hernando is part of Planning and Service Area 3, which spans 16 North Central Florida counties and is administered by Elder Options as the designated Area Agency on Aging; Hernando County contracts with Elder Options to operate local delivery. Home-delivered meals are brought to homebound Hernando residents age 60 and over who cannot prepare their own meals — each meal meets one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for the senior age group and is designed to address the nutritional needs of homebound seniors. Congregate dining is also offered at senior centers across Brooksville, Spring Hill, and other communities. Eligibility is age 60+ and Hernando County residency for congregate meals; home-delivered additionally requires homebound status. There is no income or asset test, but donations are welcomed. To enroll, call Hernando County Senior Services at (352) 796-1426 (Steve Homan, Senior Services Director) Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., or call the Elder Options Helpline at 1-800-262-2243 for a needs assessment that screens for all PSA 3 services.
Congregate meals require only age 60+ and Hernando residency — call Hernando County Senior Services at (352) 796-1426 to be referred to a senior center. Home-delivered meals additionally require documented homebound status — a Senior Services case manager makes that determination, and demand frequently exceeds capacity in Hernando (the senior population is over 30% of the county, much higher than the state average). There is no income or asset test, but the demand pressure means home-delivered enrollment may involve a waiting list. Voluntary donations are welcomed but not required. The Elder Options Helpline at 1-800-262-2243 is the broader PSA 3 entry point if you need access to other senior services beyond meals (case management, in-home care, caregiver respite).
What you'll need
- Proof of age 60+ (Florida driver's license, Florida ID, or birth certificate)
- Proof of Hernando County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- For home-delivered meals: documentation supporting homebound status (typically a physician's note or Hernando County Senior Services case manager assessment)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 352-796-1426
Renewals
annual reassessment by Hernando County Senior Services case manager
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Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.