The Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) at Texas A&M University received $2.48 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living (ACL) to enhance support systems for older adults across Texas. Lasting three years (2025 – 2028), the grant will fund two major initiatives aimed at integrating behavioral health, chronic disease management and social engagement into Senior Nutrition Programs (SNPs), especially in underserved communities. Under the leadership of Dr. Nandita Chaudhuri, Senior Research Scientist at PPRI, the projects will expand access to proven wellness models and position SNPs as trusted community anchors for aging Texans.
The first initiative, VITAL STEPS (Vital Interventions for Thriving Aging Lives through Self-Management, Training, Education, Prevention, and Support), will deliver evidence-based self-management programs to more than 1,200 older adults experiencing depression, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Partnering with SNPs in regions including Hidalgo, the Panhandle, Dallas, Brownwood, El Paso and San Antonio, the program will also promote food security and meaningful social interaction.
The second initiative, TCMI–Next (Texas Congregate Meal Initiative: Next Generation Behavioral Health & Wellness), will bring innovative behavioral health and wellness services to 16 congregate meal sites across the state. These sites—located in urban centers like Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, as well as rural, frontier and border communities—will serve over 1,400 older adults through comprehensive assessments, workforce development and validated wellness tools.
Together, these initiatives will reach more than 2,600 older Texans and will be supported by other local aging and health organizations, including the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Meals on Wheels Texas, WellMed Charitable Foundation, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas Association of Regional Councils and Texas Area Agencies on Aging.
Dr. Chaudhuri’s work builds on years of federally funded research focused on modernizing senior services and increasing engagement. “I feel deeply humbled to serve older Texans through these initiatives,” she said. “By strengthening these trusted programs, we can better support older adults’ behavioral health, expand food and nutrition access, and enhance the social connections that are so vital to healthy aging.”
These initiatives mark a major step forward in aging services, positioning SNPs as central players in Texas’ health and wellness infrastructure for older adults.