Nutrition

The Importance of 
Healthy Eating

As we grow older, it is important to understand the relationship between what we eat and our health.  We are affiliated with the nationally recognized Meals on Wheels America who is committed to changing lives one meal at a time. Whether you are an older adult who can’t get out to shop for food, are recovering from surgery and can’t cook (and need temporary meals delivered), or you want to get out and join your friends and neighbors in a community dining experience, the Council on Aging has resources to help you be healthy, happy, and enthusiastic about what you eat.

Congregate and Home-Delivered Meals (also known as Meals on Wheels)

The NEK Council on Aging contracts with 14 meal sites throughout the counties of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans VT.  You have the flexibility to enjoy a nutritious meal with friends or have one delivered to your home.  


Call our helpline (800) 642-5119 to inquire about eligibility. Sites are open and while you'll be asked to register when you arrive, there is no need to call ahead.  While there is no charge for anyone age 60+, there is a suggested donation which varies by meal site.  Guests under age 60 are always welcome at the meal site and a guest fee is charged.


We also help to coordinate state services for nutrition support.  SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known as 3SquaresVT) is a great resource to stretch your budget to provide ease your concern of food insecurity.  Our staff provides assistance with the application. 

Nutrition Consultation

Volunteer

Nutrition Support You Can Trust

We are proud to work with Alicia Armstrong, RDN, LD, CDE, a registered dietitian who brings knowledge, compassion, and real-world experience to every conversation. Alicia doesn’t just offer advice—she listens, understands your needs, and helps you find realistic ways to improve your nutrition, stretch your food budget, and make the most of every meal.


Each month, Alicia shares her wisdom in The Scoop, writing our featured nutrition article to support older Vermonters with helpful tips and approachable guidance. But you don’t have to wait for the next issue—she’s available to speak with you directly.


Whether you have questions about managing a medical condition, planning affordable meals, or making sense of food labels, Alicia is here to help.


To schedule a free nutrition consultation, call our Helpline at 800-642-5119.

We’ll set up a time for you to connect with Alicia and get the support you deserve.

The Scoop is our monthly nutrition newsletter that is provided to our home-delivered meal recipients. It includes helpful hints on healthy eating and wellness. 

Stay healthy with this month’s The Scoop! Click to read tips, recipes, and expert advice!

Resources:

We can help you to connect with several other meal and food programs to keep you eating well by calling the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 or refer to the following links for additional information.


3SquaresVT (also known as SNAP) is open to any Vermonter and provides funds for purchasing food.  there are some unique details to this program that is based on income eligibility.  You can have your benefit directly deposited to your bank account if  you are over 65, or you can have a debit card with your benefit deposited into it.  It's easy to use and helps to stretch your food dollars. 


The Vermont Food Bank.  The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a USDA nutrition program which offers free monthly nutrition information and nutritious foods to income-eligible older adults. Commodities Supplemental Food Program provides free monthly food to lower income older adults.


Food shelves provide additional food when your budget is tight.  


MyPlate.Gov.  Find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. 


Defeat Malnutrition Today - a website with informative resources to educate the public on the dangers of malnutrition and its link to chronic disease.


Veggie Van Go - A partnership with the VT Food Bank and Northern Vermont Regional Hospital. The Vermont Foodbank delivers fresh seasonal produce on the third Thursday of every month. Most months enjoy free food samples, recipes, or food demos. The program is free for people who are having trouble stretching their food budgets.  
Northeast Kingdom Food Access Directory List of Area Food Shelves

We are grateful for those who prepare and deliver meals throughout our communities every day.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.


Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.


To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation.


The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:


1. Mail: 

  Food and Nutrition Service, USDA 

  1320 Braddock Place, Room 334 

  Alexandria, VA 22314


2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442


3. Email: FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov


This institution is an equal opportunity provider.