Nutrition Services

            Community Nutrition Network (CNN), founded in 1986, is currently one of the largest nutritious meal providers for seniors in the nation, hosting 22 program locations.  In 2006, CNN served over 600,000 meals to 7,400 seniors in suburban Cook, Grundy, and Kendall counties. CNN seeks to improve the quality of life and provide nutritionally balanced meals to seniors who may not be able to:  leave their home; afford or buy groceries; or cook for themselves.  Our Group-Dining sites and Home-Delivered Meals programs allow for seniors to receive meals, all of which meet the U.S. federal guidelines for 1/3 of a senior’s daily nutritional needs, at no cost or with a small donation, so no senior goes hungry.

Group-Dining:

            CNN operates 22 Group-Dining sites located in suburban Cook, Grundy and Kendall counties. Seniors can enjoy hot lunch meals Monday through Friday at the Group-Dining sites.  They can also receive health screenings and information, go on group trips, play cards, games and bingo, participate in crafts, and make new friends. Many of the sites are accessible via public transportation.  For specific details, contact the site directly.  To find a Group-Dining site near you click here.

Home-Delivered Meals:

            CNN operates 19 Home-Delivered meal distribution points for seniors needing Meals on Wheels.  CNN delivers over 6,000 meals Monday through Friday each week and has recently started and continues to grow a Weekend Meals program.

Who is Eligible?

            CNN serves meals to seniors 60 years and older and their spouses of any age.  To receive Home-Delivered meals, one must be assessed by a Case Coordination Unit to determine the level of their need so they may receive the proper services. 

            If you or someone you know is interested or in need of services, please contact the nearest site location. Visit our “Locations” page for a list of our sites.  If you live in the City of Chicago and are seeking services, contact the City Department on Aging at (312) 744-4016.

            Community Nutrition Network does not discriminate in admission to programs and activities or treatment of employment in programs and activities in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act; the U.S. Civil Rights Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: the Age Discrimination Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint.  For information, contact Regina Salazar at (312)795-8946.