Final Forkful _2_.png
 
NutritionCYMK.jpg

Volume 2, Issue 4

 

The Final Forkful

 

This late-month newsletter covers exciting nutrition network news that happened this month.

From the Nutrition and Aging

Resource Center

 

2023 Summer Webinar Series: EVALUATION

Connecting the Dots: Utilizing Data to Build Strong Partnerships


The first webinar in our 2023 four-part webinar series will discuss the importance of collecting evaluation data to inform partners. Dr. Karon Phillips will share her expertise in aging and public health to guide participants in identifying ways that data sharing can enhance relationships and build coalitions with current associates, potential funders, and future stakeholders. Using data to lead decision making, one can then demonstrate a program’s impact to prospective and existing partners through sharing outcomes and activities that lead to healthy aging and health equity.

Register Here!

New Resources Available on the Website!


See what is new! New and updated resources included on acl.gov/senior-nutrition:

Meet the Fearless Leader of the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center Team!


Meet Alex Bauman, the Director of the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center, in this short video. Follow the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center on social media as Alex will be answering additional questions sent in today by YOU on our Instagram stories!

Addressing Hunger Cliffs

Many people across the nation are experiencing what is being referred to as a hunger cliff. In many cases, people who have relied upon food assistance programs for obtaining enough nutrition have experienced recently reduced benefit amounts or shortages of their own, all while prices for basic living continue to be at record highs. Those affected may need additional support to ensure they receive the nutrition they need. Congregate and home delivered meals are two resources that Older Americans Act Title III nutrition programs can offer. Additionally, the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center has numerous materials to help providers find other sources of food and further assistance to supplement the meals that nutrition programs provide.

As Older Americans Act Title III nutrition programs face increased numbers of interested participants, it is more important than ever to ensure that service providers consider all sources of funding to make the most of aging nutrition programs. Diversifying funding is one way to ensure nutrition programs can continue to offer and even expand services. The Nutrition and Aging Resource Center offers numerous materials on financial resources to help programs explore and implement a variety of funding streams.

As more participants need to utilize Older Americans Act Title III services, it is important to ensure a plan is in place to serve those who need help the most. The Nutrition and Aging Resource Center website offers a variety of tools and resources to help identify and prioritize clients.

 

Nutrition and Aging News From the Network

 

Reducing Sodium, NOT Flavor!

An Update on Federal Initiatives to Help Limit Sodium and Improve Health


Local senior nutrition programs have done a great job limiting sodium in meals while serving older adults -- and there is even more that can be done! Join the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) and the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center for a webinar on May 4 from 3-4pm ET to hear updates on sodium-related initiatives. These efforts aim to make it easier to further lower sodium in your meals without sacrificing flavor. We will hear about recent changes and resources to make the transition smooth from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and from Marion County, Indiana officials on sodium reduction efforts in senior nutrition assistance programs. Come ready with questions about sodium reduction!

Registration
Administration for Community Living (ACL) logo

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking contractors to complete short and long-term projects related to feasibility, evaluation, policy analysis, data analysis, communications, technical assistance, and logistical support.


Solicitation for the HHS ACL IDIQ – Solicitation 140D0423R0055 has been posted to SAM.gov which can be accessed with the following link:  https://sam.gov/opp/52e947d002e04189a3cf6908c0e5f1b3/view.

 

Questions about the solicitation should be directed to the Primary Point of Contact located on the webpage.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is hosting a webinar to help funders understand the stereotypes and ageism that exist in the U.S. and globally that marginalize people and minimize their contributions. It will also address how philanthropy can reduce barriers to access and participation for older adults and support their inclusion in planning for and responding to disasters and humanitarian crises.

The Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) encourage the public to register to virtually attend the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s second meeting on May 10, 2023.



The Committee will meet multiple times throughout 2023 and 2024 to review the scientific evidence on nutrition and public health across all life stages and will use a health equity lens to ensure factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and culture are considered to the greatest extent possible as reflected in the scientific literature and data.

A public comment period is open throughout the duration of the Committee’s work. The public is encouraged to provide comments to the Committee and virtually attend the Committee meetings online.

Food Safety for Older Americans


May 10, 2023

12:30PM - 1:30PM EDT


Join Dr. Donald W Schaffner, PhD. on Wednesday, May 10, at 12:30pm ET as he discusses Food Safety for Older Americans. Older Americans are at greater risk of food-borne disease. This talk will discuss tips for safety for older Americans and everyone else.

Older Americans Month ~ 2023 ~ Aging Unbound


Every May, ACL leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). In 2023, ACL has chosen the theme, Aging Unbound. With this theme, we will have the opportunity to explore an array of aging experiences without being boxed in by expectations and stereotypes.



Discussions will include the positive aspects of growing older, why everyone has a role to play in combating ageism, and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included in their communities.


The 2023 logos are available now. Watch for a poster, social media graphics, and more that you may use to celebrate OAM in your community. Remember to follow #OlderAmericansMonth for the latest from ACL and to see what others are planning!

2023 engAGED and Commit to Connect Social Engagement Virtual Summit


Join engAGED and Commit to Connect for a two-day Virtual Summit! Taking place May 9 and 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm ET, the Virtual Summit will bring together national, state and local leaders for interactive sessions highlighting the latest research, innovative programs, tools and resources for the aging and disability networks. The Virtual Summit will highlight the topics of social engagement in rural communities and supporting the social connectedness needs of family caregivers. Attend the Summit to learn about creative solutions, spurring ideas for replication in your community! The Virtual Summit is open to the public and does not require paid registration, but you must register to participate. To learn more about the Virtual Summit, including a brief agenda for each day and how to register, please visit the Virtual Summit webpage.

Webinar Registration - Zoom
 

Senior Nutrition Programs in the News

The Administration for Community Living has created a page on the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center page that collects and highlights news stories related to senior nutrition programs across the nation.


Have a story to be shared? Email aclnutrition@betah.com 

Facebook        Instagram        LinkedIn        Pinterest        Twitter        YouTube

This project was supported in part by grant number 90PPNU0002 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.