The January Forkful

Volume 1 | Issue 9

News from the

Nutrition and Aging Resource Center

Happy New Year from the Resource Center!

Erin Hoisington, RDN, LD

Nutrition & Aging Content Director

Happy New Year! Each year at this time, we set resolutions for change and improvement both personally and professionally. However, does anyone else find themselves falling short before the end of January? Perhaps making changes stick is as simple as reframing how we define and approach a resolution. This article from Wavelength sums up how seeing resolutions as improving processes, rather than obtaining a specific goal, can lead to better changes for ourselves, our meal programs and ultimately our participants. So cheers to 2024 and resolutions to improve serving older adults in our communities!

Make it a magical day,

Erin

Join Us for our first Connection Chat in 2024!

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect with others working for Area Agencies on Aging and Local Service Providers! Our January event will feature subject matter experts on three big topics: Restaurant Partnerships, Choice Menus, and Meal Site Environments.

January 17, 2024

8 – 9:30 AM PT / 9 – 10:30 AM MT /

10 – 11:30 AM CT / 11 AM – 12:30 PM ET

Please click HERE to register by January 15, 2024.

Don’t forget to join our Connection Chat Facebook Group as you make plans to connect with more people across the nation in 2024!

Summary of Year Two Highlights

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, previously the Iowa Department on Aging, in partnership with Iowa State University, summarized its second year of hosting the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center. Highlights and successes listed within the document below.

Read the Year Two in Review

Meet the Network!

Meet Crystal Ayoob, MHA, RDN and learn more about her work with Meals on Wheels San Francisco. The organization has been working to implement Medically Tailored Meals. Crystal breaks down the process and gives you some helpful tips that she learned along the way!

See the new kitchen!

View New Resources Available on the Website!

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

Beginners Guide to Diversifying Funding

Previous Network Spotlights

From the Administration for Community Living

Get Ready To Connect and Celebrate!

Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 2:00-2:30 PM ET

Join ACL’s Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs and the Nutrition & Aging Resource Center to get a jump-start on the March 20, 2024 Senior Nutrition Program Celebration, Connection in Every Bite. Speakers will share resources available to help you participate and offer a sneak peek of what’s ahead for the program in 2024.

This event will be captioned. A recording will be available after the event. If you have any questions or accommodation requests, email Kathryn.Tucker@acl.hhs.gov.

News from the Aging Network

AmeriCorps Funding Opportunities for Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent Projects

The AmeriCorps Seniors FY 2024 Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent programs applications are now open. These opportunities are to support new and expanding programs within the Senior Companion and Foster Grandparents space.

To learn more about these funding opportunities, see the 2024 Senior Companion webpage and the 2024 Foster Grandparent Program webpage.

Applications are due February 1, 2024.

Host Community Discussions at Senior Centers with a Toolkit

A recent article from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) discusses how to conduct an effective town hall meeting and roundtable discussion at your senior center.

Key Takeaways:

Town hall style conversations held at senior centers can have an important and lasting impact on the health of people in the community.
Among the tips from previous senior center town halls: plan ahead, involve a diverse audience, and actively seek out older adult panelists.
Our toolkit developed as part of an NCOA/ASA RISE project outlines best practices for senior centers to host community discussions that empower older adults.

Read the Full Article