• Special diet accommodations (e.g., diabetic, low sodium, pureed) 

• Wellness checks during meal delivery 

2. Regulations 

Meal delivery services are governed by: 

• Alabama Department of Senior Services regulations 

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver requirements 

• Food safety and handling regulations from the Alabama Department of Public Health 

3. Licensing or Certification 

Providers must: 

• Be licensed food service establishments 

• Meet health department standards for food preparation and handling 

• Comply with USDA dietary guidelines for older adults 

4. Responsible State Agency 

The primary agencies overseeing meal delivery services are: 

• Alabama Department of Senior Services 

• Alabama Medicaid Agency (for waiver-funded services) 

5. Application Process 

Providers must: 

• Apply through the Alabama Department of Senior Services 

• Meet all food safety and nutritional requirements 

• Demonstrate capacity to prepare and deliver meals consistently 

6. Required Documentation 

Providers must ensure: 

• Proper documentation of meal preparation and delivery 

• Nutritional analysis of meals 

• Records of special diet accommodations 

• Compliance with food safety regulations 

7. Timeline for Approval 

Not specified 

8. Pre-Application Process 

There is no explicit mention of a pre-application process for meal delivery service providers. 

9. Pre-Application Training 

• While not specifically pre-application, staff involved in meal preparation and delivery should have: 

• Food safety certification 

• Training in working with elderly and disabled populations 

10. Additional Notes 

• As of February 2025, these services continue to play a crucial role in supporting independence and nutrition for older adults and individuals with disabilities in Alabama 

• Providers may need to coordinate with case managers and healthcare providers to ensure appropriate meal plans 

• Some programs may offer frozen meal options for weekends or emergencies 

• Funding for these services often comes from a combination of federal, state, and local sources, as well as private donations