NEK Council On Aging

Nutrition

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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.

Become a Home Delivered Meals Driver

Nutrition Consultation

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Pets4Life

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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.