This March, JABA joins the Administration for Community Living and nutrition service providers across the country in celebrating the anniversary of the national Senior Nutrition Program, which coincides with the national awareness campaign about nutrition. This year’s theme “Cooking up Community” puts an emphasis on the way providing access to healthy food helps build healthier communities for people of all ages.
JABA helps older adults in our community, and their families and caregivers, by promoting healthy eating, decreasing social isolation, and improving health. Our programs also provide connections to home and community-based services that can support independence and overall well-being. For instance, our Home Delivered Meals program provides healthy meals to low-income, home-bound older adults or those who are having trouble preparing meals on their own. At our Community Senior Centers and Respite & Enrichments Centers (REC), not only do we provide much needed social interaction, members receive healthy lunches, nutrition education, and health support from on-staff nurses and caregiver professionals.
Since 1972, the Senior Nutrition Program has supported nutrition services for older adults. Funded by the Older Americans Act, local senior nutrition programs serve as hubs for older adults (60 and older) to access nutritious meals and other vital services that strengthen social connections and promote health and well-being.
Senior nutrition is now more important than ever. Each year in the U.S., up to half of adults age 65 and older are at risk of malnutrition, and more than 10 million face hunger. In communities throughout the U.S. – including our own – older adults sometimes lack access to the high-quality, nutritious food they need to remain healthy and independent.
And it’s easy to understand why. In Charlottesville and our surrounding counties, 6.5% of adults 60 and older live in poverty and 4.6% receive food stamps or SNAP. What’s more, 26.6% live alone, 8.6% don't have a vehicle, and almost 30% have a disability. Any combination of these factors can make it difficult for older adults to get the proper nutrition they need.
For more than 50 years, senior nutrition services have helped create healthy, strong communities where all members can flourish regardless of age. That’s why we proudly recognize this anniversary of the national Senior Nutrition Program and its tremendous impact on the health and well-being of older adults in our community. Join us in celebrating our seniors, our programs, and our community!