Category Archives: Public Policy

Past Free Webcast – Senior Nutrition in 2023 – January 11th, 2023

Earn 1 hr CEU, pre-approved for Social Workers by BOSW; self-submit other disciplines.
MGS is an approved Continuing Education Resource by the MN Board of Nursing.
(The CEU is free for MGS members; $15 for non-members.)

 

2022 Recognizing Nations’ First Nutrition Program for Older Adults

Handout Senior Nutrition in 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, meal programs including home-delivered meals and food shelf usage, proved a lifeline for older adults.  These programs saw a dramatic increase in demand. In many cases, the services reached low-income individuals who had not used these services before.

In Minnesota, to support the increased need, an influx of emergency and stimulus federal funds increased spending on senior nutrition. This funding made it possible to serve older adults who are above strict eligibility limits for meals under Medicaid or the Elderly Waiver/Alternative Care programs.  In addition to being primarily low-income, these adults have limitations in their ability to shop for groceries and make meals. Much of the expansion in meals has been for older adults with life-threatening chronic conditions and for immigrant communities.  The pandemic revealed significant unmet needs, which have not receded as both the pandemic and stimulus funds recede.

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