This commentary is by Conor O’Dea of Waterbury, director of the state unit on aging in the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living in the State Unit on Aging. 

Whether making turns in the long-awaited soft snow, enjoying the sweet smell of boiling sap in the sugarhouse, or simply basking in the extra hour of daylight, now is an opportune time to reflect on wellness and create healthy habits. 

The seasonal transition provides time to plan the summer garden, make a list of summer hikes, and begin planning other exciting activities for the months ahead. The warmer weather and longer days encourage a more active, social lifestyle that strengthens our connection to others. 

For these reasons, it seems appropriate that the Administration for Community Living designated March as the time to celebrate our nation’s Senior Nutrition Program, which exists with the intent to provide nutrition, socialization, health and well-being.  

Established in 1972 under Title III-C of the Older Americans Act, the program has been meeting older Americans’ nutritional, social and wellness needs for nearly 50 years. Since being signed into law in 1965, the Older Americans Act has been the vehicle for the organization and delivery of social and nutrition services to adults 60 and older. The law established the mechanisms necessary for providing grants to states to support local programming focused on supporting and advocating for older adults. 

On the national level, nearly 20,000 community-based service providers are serving around 218 million meals per year. In the grouping of community programs and supports, the Senior Nutrition Program does not garner wide public attention. Still, it serves as a model program and warrants being a great point of pride in our country.

In Vermont, the nutrition programs supported in part by Older Americans Act funds take various shapes and sizes. 

In some cases, the nutrition programs operate within the structure of a community senior center. Senior centers serve as a key focal point for organizing meals, activities, and educational events. The variety of offerings often include music, art, exercise, public speakers, and related activities promoting socialization. Additionally, a senior center provides an efficient and effective way of hosting activities such as computer classes, tax assistance, health screenings, and other events that can be challenging to access. 

Although not every town in Vermont has a senior center, individuals interested in learning more about what is happening in your area for older adults can contact Vermont’s senior helpline to identify the nearest center. We are pleased that Vermont’s senior centers will begin reopening in April, after a long pause due to the risks associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The other major component of nutrition programming is community meal sites and home-delivered meal programs. A community meal site differs from a senior center in that it does not offer additional activities. It provides an opportunity for people to gather, share a meal, and enjoy the company of others. Community meal sites are often situated in churches, community halls, and other venues equipped with commercial kitchens. 

Home-delivered meals, likely the most well-recognized program under the Older Americans Act, provide a packaged meal directly to the location where the meal recipient resides. Often referred to as Meals on Wheels, the meal delivery program provides an opportunity for brief interaction and a nutritious meal.

Federal and state funding covers part of the cost to operate Vermont’s senior nutrition programs. The remainder is covered by local funding, donations, contributions toward the meal’s cost from recipients, and in-kind support from volunteers. The volunteer support is delivered in the form of board members and individuals willing to package, drive and deliver meals. This community effort has sustained the senior nutrition program and will continue to make it thrive in years to come.

The senior nutrition program has adjusted operations throughout the pandemic, but the staff and volunteers’ commitment has allowed it to thrive through challenging times. The creative solutions to continue meal service, offer remote activities, and keep older adults socially engaged are paramount when social isolation is a concern.

As we approach a point when we can imagine getting back to group gatherings, it is worth considering how to get involved with the nutrition program. Again, March is an opportune time to reflect on health and well-being. Whether receiving a meal, participating in one of many activities, or volunteering your time, the senior nutrition program offers something for everyone.

For more information on locating a senior nutrition program in your area, contact the Area Agencies on Aging Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.