About  |  Eligibility  | How it Works/Registration  |  Participating Restaurants  |  Existing Participants Â
About the Iowa Café Program
The Iowa Café Program is an innovative approach to enhance older adults’ access to both socialization and nutrition. Rather than visiting traditional senior centers, seniors enjoy meals at locally owned, licensed food establishments and businesses. This provides more flexibility for seniors to meet their nutritional needs while connecting with and supporting their communities.
Iowa Café meals meet the same nutritional requirements for older adults as meals in traditional senior centers. In addition to meals, the Iowa Café offers nutrition education and fall prevention workshops in these local communities. For details on upcoming events and educational opportunities, check out our calendar.
Eligibility
The Iowa Café Program is available to:
- Residents 60 years of age or older, and spouses of eligible individuals, regardless of age.
- Meals are provided on a voluntary contribution basis, meaning that participants will be asked to contribute towards the cost of their meal based on their ability. While contributions help sustain the program, they are not required for participation.
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Eligibility and Prioritization
Demand for the Iowa Café far exceeds NEI3A’s ability to fully fund the program. Therefore, NEI3A prioritizes individuals based on economic need, social need, frailty, and risk of institutionalization. As a result, waiting times vary for individuals based on their specific circumstances. For more information, please see NEI3A’s waitlist policy.
NEI3A supports other congregate meal programs throughout its service area where there is no waiting list. Please visit our meals page for more information,
How the Iowa Café Program Works & How to Register
Step 1: Register
Complete the Iowa Café Registration Form to be added to our prioritized waiting list. Once approved, you will receive a welcome packet and a small keycard.
- Online Registration: Click here to register
- Assistance: If you need help with registration, call us at 800-779-8707. We are happy to assist you over the phone or mail the registration form directly to your home.
Step 2: Wait for Approval
Once we receive your registration, it will be reviewed, and you will be placed on our prioritized waiting list. Please note, due to the high demand, there may be a wait time before approval.
- Processing Time: Registration approval may take several weeks or months. Once approved, we will notify you by mail and send you a welcome packet with further instructions.
Step 3: Receive Your Keycard
Once approved, your keycard will arrive with 6 meal scans per month, which can be used at participating restaurants. You may use one scan (for one meal) per day up to 6 scans per month. Unused meals do not roll over to the next month.
Step 4: Visit a Participating Location
Take your keycard to a participating restaurant and order from their approved Iowa Café Menu. Menus vary among restaurants.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Meal
Once you place your order, the server will scan your keycard, and the cost of your meal (including tip) will be fully covered—no need to leave anything extra on the table!
Step 6: Contribute
While contributions are voluntary, they are essential to sustaining the program. NEI3A accepts contributions several ways:
- By mail using the monthly statement you receive.
- By scanning the QR code on the menu at participating restaurants.
- By visiting our contribution page to make a one-time donation or set up recurring contributions.
For questions or to contribute by phone, call 800-779-8707.
Iowa Café Locations in Northeast Iowa
Visit our Participating Restaurants Page for a list of participating businesses, menus, and other details.
If you are interested in being a partner, please call 800-779-8707.
Existing Participants
To request a new keycard, re-register for the program, or update your information, please visit the link below:
Yearly re-registration opportunities will be mailed each spring. Information forms must be completed annually by all participants. Please complete your information form on time to avoid service interruptions.