The April Forkful

Volume 2 | Issue 7

News from the

Nutrition and Aging Resource Center

Innovation in the Air

This month, the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center is gearing up to visit some Innovations in Nutrition Programs and Services (INNU) Grantees, and I couldn’t be more excited! If you’re not familiar with our INNU Grantees, they are truly paving the way with creative and innovative practices within the Senior Nutrition Program network. We meet with these grantees on a monthly basis, but visiting them in-person is a first. Onsite visits are a great opportunity to connect, collaborate and learn together. As we dive into the second quarter of 2024, I challenge you to think broadly about conducting a site visit of your own…it could be down the street to a potential partnership site or to a neighboring state to gain a firsthand understanding about a project you would like to replicate in your own community. Perhaps you could include a site visit while you are on the road during conference season. While virtual site visits may not replicate the full experience of being onsite, a virtual visit may be just as effective for your purposes, too. Cheers to connecting, continuing to learn and growing together as a network!

Warmly,

Caroline

Caroline McKinney, MS, RDN, LD, CNSC

Nutrition Innovation Director

Meet the Network!

In this month's Network Spotlight, Bonnie Worth, director of the Bristol Township Senior Center in Bristol, Pennsylvania, shares multiple successes in sustaining partnerships for its programs and using technology to train and benefit participants. Grants, programs and resources have helped keep the center's participants connected and learning as they age.

Celebrating ican! Webinar

Join the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the launch of Instructional Campus on Aging Nutrition! (ican!)

April 30, 2024, 9 - 9:30am CT

Learn how the interactive platform can provide more information and education about the senior nutrition program. Content is specifically focused on Area Agencies on Aging, local service providers, State Units on Aging, congregate and home delivered meal programs staff and volunteers, and more. The short webinar will provide an overview of ican!, module information, and how to integrate employees and volunteers.

Registration

View New Resources Available on Our Website!

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

The Iowa Cafe: AAA and Restaurant Partnerships

Coalition Approach to Congregate Meal Program

Connection Chat: Social Isolation

Calling all Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers! Join the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center on Wednesday, April 17, 1-2:30pm CT for the next Connection Chat. This interactive call will enable you to learn from and share with your peers as well as subject matter experts. Breakout sessions will be available to discuss Utilizing Technology, Pet Programs and Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Elder Maltreatment.

Registration

From the Administration for Community Living

May is Older Americans Month

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2024 theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. We will explore the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues.

Learn More

From the Network

May 2 is the Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium

Register for the National Council on Aging's Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium. It will be full of opportunities and, as always, free for attendees.

Join us May 2 at 10 a.m. ET for a full day of learning that equips you to support the mental health needs of older adults. Attendees will enjoy: