The Senior Nutrition Program provides:

• well-balanced and nutritious meals
  
• the opportunity to meet people your own age
  
• information on good nutrition and wellness
  
• opportunities for physical activity
  
• recreational, social and educational activities

Who Can Participate?

If either you or your spouse is at least 60 years of age, you, your spouse and any dependent children living with you are eligible to participate in the meal program.  If you are disabled and living in an apartment complex that has a Senior Nutrition Program meal site, your are eligible to participate in the program at that site.  The Senior Nutrition Program meals are available to all people without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ehnic origin, or income level.

If you are unable to leave your home to visit a dining center, check the Home-Delivered Meals page to see whether or not meal delivery is available in your community.

What Does It Cost?

The meal program is partially funded by Title III-C of the Older Americans Act.  Every eligible diner is given the opportunity to make a confidential contribution, but no-one age 60 or over is turned away because of inability to pay.  The suggested contribution for those with an income below 185% of poverty ($18,889) is $2.75 - $4.50.  Eligible diners with incomes at or above 185% of poverty are asked to contribute $4.75.  Ineligible persons under 60 must pay the full cost of the meal ($4.75).  Medical Assistance Waiver payments and Food Assistance cards (formerly known as food stamps) are accepted.

Do I Need a Reservation?  

Yes, please make a reservation the day before you wish to dine or receive a meal by signing up at the center or by calling the site manager.  Telephone numbers and locations are listed on the congregate and home-delivered meal pages.

What About the Menus?

Each meal meets one-third of the minimum daily nutritional standards for persons age 70 and over.  This includes preparing every meal with limited salt and fat, and reduced sugar.

The menus are provided to congregate diners and delivered to home-bound diners - usually with the first meal of the month - and often can be found in the local newspaper.  The menus are also printed each month in Elderbridge's newsletter - the Renaissance.

Beginning in August 2007, a version of the menu that provides the number of carbohydrates in each dish will also be available on request.  This is being made available to make counting carbs for diabetics and dieters easier.

To see this month's menu, click here.

Is It Just A Meal?

The Senior Nutrition Program is much more than a hot, nutritious meal.  Each meal site provides opportunities for learning about topics important to older adults, to socialize with new and established friends, to participate in interesting activities such as playing cards, making crafts, and weight training.

In August 2007, the Gowrie Senior Nutrition Program began a physical activity program that incorporates information on preventing and managing Type 2 Diabetes.  The participants recorded impressive improvement in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, strength, balance and flexibility.  They were assisted in this project by Friendship Haven, Webster County Public Health, Elderbridge and Volunteers.  We thank the Wellmark Foundation for providing the funding to start this program.

In February 2008, this program titled "Living Better in..." was introduced at the Deercreek Apartment complex in Fort Dodge.  Here, too, the participants report that they are experiencing a noticibly healthier lifestyle. 

Like to have Living Better come to your meal site?  Let your meal site manager that you're interested.