The February Forkful

Volume 2 | Issue 3

News from the

Nutrition and Aging Resource Center

Conference season starts next month!! This is an exciting and busy time of the year. As I prepare for presentations across the country, I am reminded that, whether formally or informally, we all must present information in a way that captures the full attention of our audience.

Personally, I have sat through my fair share of sessions that were dry, boring, and frankly, of little value. I never want an audience to feel that way after they leave a presentation of mine. Rather, I want to engage each enough to inspire action in the way they provide services to aging adults.

Whether you are presenting a pitch to your local chamber of commerce for funding or presenting to a room of 300+ conference attendees, prepare to make an impact! Not sure where to start? Check out this article from LinkedIn for 10 Effective Ideas For Creative Presentation to get your creative juices flowing.

When you see us out there on the conference trail, come say "hello" and hopefully, you will walk away feeling inspired!

You can catch me next at the American Society on Aging (ASA) OnAging Conference in San Francisco. Team members from Iowa State University and I will be presenting a session titled Who can do it? ican!: Interactive, online learning modules helping build knowledge and skills on Wednesday, March 27th from 1:30pm-2:00pm. Come check it out!

Make it a magical day,

Erin

Meet the Network!

Meet Stephanie Labenz, MS, RD, LD! She works for Aging Resources of Central Iowa as a Nutrition and Wellness Specialist. Tune in to hear how Stephanie's contract work turned into a permanent role and how she has embraced new opportunities that support and educate older adults.

View New Resources Available on the Website!

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

Senior Nutrition Program Solutions Forum Critical Issues Resources

From the Administration for Community Living

2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Enhancing Statewide Falls Prevention Collaboration Now Available

Applications due Monday, March 25, 2024

ACL released a new Falls Prevention Notice of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov: 2024 Enhancing Statewide Falls Prevention Awareness, Strategy, and Collaboration.

The intent of this funding opportunity is to award a cooperative agreement to a single entity with the experience and capability to facilitate the development and enhancement of collaborative efforts of state falls prevention coalitions. The goal is to reduce falls and/or the risk of falls among older adults, adults with disabilities, and their families and caregivers.

An informational conference call will be held TODAY, Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET:

Toll-free number: 888-997-8505
Passcode: 8905666

A recording will be available approximately one hour after the call concludes at the following toll-free playback number: 800-839-1334. To access the recording, use the passcode 8741.

View the Opportunity

Senior Nutrition Program Celebration Kick-Off Recording

We recently held the kick-off to the Senior Nutrition Program Celebration. You may watch the recording of the celebration and learn about amazing things being done across the nation. Also, be sure to utilize the resources from the Administration for Community Living to promote the March Senior Nutrition Program Celebration. Click the link below to find graphics, press releases, activity ideas, and more.

Celebration Resources

Registration opens in March

Mark your calendars to join us on Thursday, May 2, 2024, for the Seventh Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium!

This free, all-day, virtual event will feature an engaging plenary, informative sessions, and a diverse array of topics addressing the most pressing needs in older adult mental health.

The symposium is brought to you by ACL, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the National Council on Aging (NCOA).

Watch your inbox for free registration information in mid-March!

Who should attend?

Public health practitioners, professionals in the aging network, mental health providers, health care professionals, and anyone interested in ensuring the mental health of older adults are encouraged to attend. In partnership with the E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, NCOA anticipates offering continuing education for several disciplines.