Nutrition program helps seniors eat right

CINDY WOOD/independent feature writer

Eat your vegetables. It’s a phrase uttered countless of times around the dinner table, but a piece of advice that can oftentimes go unnoticed in a world of hustle, bustle and deep-fried everything.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate, a government initiative to help consumers make better food choices, consumers should make at least half their grains whole, vary their veggies, focus on fruits, get calcium-rich foods and go lean with protein.

It’s a lot to remember for anyone, but especially difficult for senior citizens who are already grappling with the effects of aging.

“I can’t begin to tell you how important it is for seniors to eat right, and eat healthy,” said Bonnie Buettner, a registered nurse at Van Wert Manor. “Senior citizens might already be dealing with other health issues, but a good diet and proper nutrition can’t be overlooked. And with the winter months coming, hydration becomes even more important.”

There are numerous programs, nationally and locally, to help seniors get access to good meals. Home-delivered meals, more commonly known as Meals on Wheels, provides nutrient-rich meals to the door of many seniors, providing those with limited mobility access to good nutrition. Congregate meal sites, typically found at senior citizen centers, senior housing complexes or churches, also offer seniors an option.

At the Van Wert Senior Center, a daily meal, prepared by Van Wert Manor, is offered for just $2, representing an affordable option for those 60 and over.

“My husband and I have the meals here often, and it’s a great value for the price,” said Council on Aging Office Manager Therese Marshall. “We’re grateful that the Manor can partner with us in helping senior citizens have access to good, nutritional food,” she said, adding that reservations for a meal need to be made a day in advance by calling 419.238.5011.

Another option for seniors, the Senior Dining Program, provides a number of monthly vouchers for seniors to patronize local restaurants. Rhonda Davvison, nutrition care coordinator at Area Agency on Aging in Lima, which oversees the program in several counties including Van Wert, said she hopes more local restaurants begin to offer the program.

“Currently we only have two restaurants in Van Wert County and we’re looking for more community-minded restaurants to join,” Davvison said, adding the restaurants must be willing to redeem the certificates for a meal planned by a registered dietitian.

Enrolled restaurants must offer milk, and have fruit and vegetable choices. Davvison added that baked, broiled and grilled meats and low-salt casseroles are preferred.

“The AAA3 dietitian will look at their current menu and provide ideas of what meals would work for the program guidelines.”

The restaurant, which can offer breakfast, lunch or dinner, is then reimbursed at a rate of $6.30 for lunch or dinner and $4.50 for breakfast.

“It’s a way for seniors to remain active in the community and eat a nutritious, hot meal to keep them healthy,” Davvison said. “Seniors love the program and become loyal customers.”

During the summer months, senior citizens may also take advantage of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Ohio Department of Aging. The program provides coupons to eligible seniors that can be used at local farmers markets and food stands.

“This is a program that many of our seniors took advantage of last summer, and it’s a valuable resource,” Marshall said, adding that the program allows seniors to eat fresh local produce, while increasing business for local farmers. “There are many valuable and resourceful programs offered, and we want senior citizens to be aware of them and take advantage of them.”