DAS commission unanimously approves multiyear grants for meals, ombudsman, Friendship Line and other services

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved a set of multiyear grant agreements and routine minutes, keeping intact city-funded services for older adults and adults with disabilities.

The commission voted to: approve minutes from the June 4, 2025 meeting; authorize a four‑year, Title III‑D and health-promotion grant with On Lok for evidence‑based disease‑prevention programs and group exercise; authorize six nutrition service grants (home‑delivered, congregate and supplemental grocery programs); renew a Friendship Line contract for suicide prevention and grief support with Institute on Aging; continue a long‑term care ombudsman contract with Felton Institute; and renew a Bayview service contract for culturally responsive nutrition outreach. All motions passed by unanimous roll call votes.

Why it matters: The contracts fund core services — meals, nutrition education, social connection and advocacy — that DAS and local providers say reduce isolation, support health and help older adults remain housed and safe.

Key approvals and details

- Item 4 (minutes): The commission approved the Wednesday, June 4, 2025 meeting minutes by roll call (all present commissioners voted yes).

- Item 11C — On Lok (health promotion, Title III‑D and general health promotion): The commission authorized new four‑year grant agreements with On Lok for evidence‑based programs including the Aging Mastery Program, chronic disease and pain self‑management, DEEP (Diabetes Empowerment Education Program) and group exercise classes. The grants cover July 1, 2025–June 30, 2029. Commissioner questions established that virtual options will continue for participants who are homebound. Vote: unanimous.

- Item 11D — Nutrition services and supplemental grocery programs: The commission approved six contracts with community partners to deliver home‑delivered meals, congregate “to‑go” meals and culturally specific supplemental grocery programs for 2025–2029. On Lok’s three grants together will support approximately 263,000 meals annually and serve roughly 2,100 consumers; however, On Lok said it must close four meal sites this year because of funding limits. Jewish Family & Children’s Services will continue kosher home‑delivered meals; Bayview Senior Services and Central Latino will continue culturally targeted supplemental grocery programs. Commissioners asked for a summary chart of all meal sites and where service reductions occur. Vote: unanimous.

- Item 11E — Institute on Aging (Friendship Line): The commission authorized a new four‑year grant to Institute on Aging to continue the Friendship Line, a 24/7 crisis and warm‑line providing crisis intervention, scheduled callbacks, grief groups and outreach. Erica Maybaum presented data on rising suicide rates among older adults and said the line pairs crisis response with prevention. Vote: unanimous.

- Item 11F — Bayview Senior Services (culturally responsive prepared meals and outreach): The commission authorized a new four‑year grant to Bayview Senior Services to deliver culturally tailored prepared meals with partner faith organizations and outreach to reach residents in need. Vote: unanimous.

- Item 11G — Leah’s Pantry (citywide nutrition education): The commission authorized a four‑year grant for citywide, multilingual nutrition education led by registered dietitians; curriculum materials are reviewed and approved by DAS nutrition staff. Vote: unanimous.

- Item 11H — Felton Institute (Long‑Term Care Ombudsman): The commission renewed the multiyear contract for long‑term care ombudsman services to investigate complaints, provide consultation and conduct systemic advocacy for residents of skilled nursing and assisted‑living facilities; the program includes multilingual volunteers and a bilingual Cantonese coordinator. Vote: unanimous.

Roll calls: Each recorded roll call identified President Jenna Weiss Spears, Vice President Nelson Lum, Commissioner Martha Knudson, Commissioner Sasha Buettner, Commissioner Wanda Jeung and Commissioner Barbara Sklar; each vote was recorded as “yes.”

Discussion highlights: Presenters described how the grants link to federal and state funding streams (including Older Americans Act programs and CalAIM reimbursements), and staff noted the reality of flat or reduced funding combined with rising food costs. Nutrition staff said the current average cost per meal across DAS programs is a little under $12 (nutrition + quality compliance). Commissioners requested a consolidated site map showing where meals are delivered and which sites will close so the commission can monitor geographic gaps.

What’s next: Contracts take effect July 1, 2025. Staff said they will supply commissioners with a consolidated chart of meal programs, sites and districts and will report back in future meetings on implementation and any changes required by funding shifts.