Nutrition Standards

Nutrition Standards

  • Each meal served must contain at least one-third of the current Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for older adults. (Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Science, National Research Council)
  • The caloric range per meal must fall between 700 and 800 calories.
  • The fat content, based on total calories, must not exceed 30-35%.
  • The sodium content of the meal must fall within the range of a “No Added Salt Diet” (3-4gm/day).
  • Only two high sodium meals (>1200mg) are allowed per month.
  • High sodium entrée days must be clearly marked on the menu.
  • Items with more than 500mg of sodium must also be marked.
  • Chicken must be served a minimum of one time per week.
  • Whole muscle meat should be served at least two times per week.
  • Fruit desserts should be served at least three times per week.
  • Good food sources of vitamins A (3 times per week) and C (daily) are required within the menus.

Updated September 2020

SeniorCare Inc., Gloucester, MA USA, 2022
SeniorCare Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All contributions made to the agency are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. SeniorCare Inc. and its programs are funded in whole, or in part, by contracts with/or grants from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and other funding sources.