Article by Maria Loh, Program Coordinator, Congregate Nutrition & Transportation, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging
(Posted 2022 March)
During National Nutrition Month, we would like to call attention to nutrition services provided through the Older Americans Act Title III-C to adults aged 60 and over. These nutrition services:
- Reduce hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition,
- Promote socialization, and
- Delay the onset of adverse health conditions.
The Fairfax Area Congregate Nutrition Program provides a healthy lunch-time meal to older adults at county senior centers as well as opportunities for socialization and recreation. Learn more and find a senior center near you.
The Fairfax Area Meals on Wheels (MOW) Program serves residents of Fairfax County and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. MOW provides home delivered meals to eligible older adults and adults with disabilities who cannot shop for or prepare their own meals. Adults considered eligible are homebound, do not drive, and have no able-bodied caregiver residing with them who may assist with meal preparation or grocery shopping. With each weekly delivery, a MOW recipient receives two nutritious meals for each weekday and one for the weekend (11 meals total for the week). The program offers a diverse, universal menu with entrees representative of many world cuisines. Vegetarian meals are available upon request. All meals are “heart healthy” and meet the state standards for nutrition. Anyone can make a referral to the program by calling the MOW intake line at 703-324-5409. If considered eligible, a Nutrition Case Manager will arrange an assessment for services with the prospective client.
Nutrition Education. Participants in both the Fairfax Congregate Nutrition and Meals on Wheels Programs are also provided with nutrition education to support food, nutrition, and physical activity choices and behaviors to maintain or improve health and address nutrition-related conditions. Participants at area senior centers will be provided with nutrition education opportunities at least four times a year. These may be provided through in-person or virtual presentations/recipe demonstrations by a Registered Dietitian as well as through hand-outs, newsletter articles, table tents, or placemats. Meals on Wheels participants will receive nutrition education materials with their meals a minimum of twice a year.
Nutrition Counseling is also available free of charge to participants in both programs who are deemed at high nutrition risk according to criteria set by the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services. Eligible participants will be provided two free phone consultations with a registered dietitian. Participants who may not be at high nutrition risk, but would like to speak with a dietitian, should check with their center directors or case managers to be referred to the dietitian for free nutrition counseling.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).