The Senior Nutrition Program

The Senior Nutrition Program, a new project of Family and Community Services of Portage County, provides meals for the elderly in a congregate setting. Utilizing the resources of the old Portage County Nursing Home, weekday meals are prepared and delivered to three senior residences, one senior center, four churches, two cupboards, one adult day care center, and two community centers in the area. The goal is to provide one nutritionally balanced meal to persons 60 years of age or older, in order to maintain the health and vitality of older persons for as long as possible. Meals are offered on an anonymous donation basis to insure that those who cannot afford to pay can also participate. Currently, an average of 4,100 meals are produced weekly with the numbers steadily increasing as new sites are added.

Studies report that persons are living longer than ever before. Programs that meet the needs of the aging population must be directed to sustaining the quality of life for individuals, as they grow older. Malnutrition, chronic illnesses and loneliness are daily concerns for older persons, who may be living alone and who are struggling to stay healthy as they face the ever-increasing costs of living.

The Senior Nutrition Program is supported by Title IIIC of the Older American's Act, which is administered by the Area Agency on Aging 10B, Inc. Title IIIC programs are community-based and offer services to help folks live independently in their own homes/apartments with supportive services. This alternative to institutional care offers a cost-saving choice for those who, through the years, have contributed greatly to our communities.

The new Senior Nutrition Program is an opportunity to reach out to more of the senior population who can benefit from a nutritious meal in a familiar, social setting. Some of the available sites open to the public include:

- Portage County Senior Center
- Grace Episcopal Church
- Suffield United Church of Christ
- Robinson Memorial Hospital
- Hiram Christian Center
- King Kennedy Community Center
- Skeels-Matthews Community Center
- Center of Hope
- Kent Social Services
- Palmyra United Methodist Church