Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act Senior Nutrition Program

In March 2022 we celebrate in the United States the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program.

"The Older Americans Act Nutrition Program was signed into law on March 22, 1972, creating the first federal program to support the health and well-being of older adults through nutrition services.

Decades later, the OAA Senior Nutrition Program – administered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) – continues to fund local agencies and organizations that help older adults access healthy meals and other resources so that they can remain independent, well, and connected in their homes and communities.

Each day, about 5,000 nutrition program providers serve an estimated 1 million meals to older Americans across the country. The programs focus on underserved communities and others in greatest need -- people with low income, those in rural areas, and members of minority communities, including those with limited-English proficiency," said  Xavier Becerra, Secretary, United States Department of Health and Human Services during the special event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program on March 22, 2022.

During the pandemic we have learned additionally the value of nutritional programs for Older Adults. The nutritional programs are essential for the well being of Older Adults.

 The Illinois Department on Aging Recognizes 50th Anniversary of National Senior Nutrition Program

The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is joining the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and local senior nutrition service providers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the national Senior Nutrition Program.

“Since its inception, the national Senior Nutrition Program has provided healthy, well-balanced meals to older adults in both group and home settings,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois is proud to recognize the 50th anniversary of this program and the tremendous impact it has on seniors’ health and continued independent living in their communities.” 

"Each year in the U.S., up to half of older adults are at risk of malnutrition, and more than 10 million face hunger. To combat food insecurity among this population, Illinois’ Aging Network provides nutritious and culturally appropriate meals to older adults at more than 393 congregate dining sites statewide, including senior centers, churches, senior housing facilities and community buildings. Home-delivered meals are also available to older adults who are unable to cook or shop for food on their own. With the temporary closure of in-person dining sites at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Aging Network responded to a 50% increase in need for home-delivered meals, providing an average of nearly 1 million home-delivered meals per month since March 2020. Today, many reopened group dining sites are providing packaged grab-and-go-style meals as an alternative option while demand for home-delivered meals remains high," informs IDoA about programs offered in Illinois.

“Local nutrition programs are making a difference in the lives of older Illinoisans every single day,” said IDoA Director Paula Basta. 

 “For decades, they have met our seniors’ most basic needs to keep them in their home and provided a daily safety check and social interaction. I am grateful to our Aging Network for sustaining these vital programs that promote healthy aging, and I am excited to join them in celebrating 50 years of success, ” emphasizes IDoA Director. 

Meeting with Paula Basta, Director of the Illinois Department on Aging in 2019.

We serve Older Adults on frontlines and we recognize significance of programs and services offered by the Illinois Department on Aging for Older Adults.

"IDoA serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life'", across the state of Illinois.

 For information about the Department’s programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/programs or contact the Senior HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Older Adults greatly value supplemental nutritional programs offered by governmental and non-governmental agencies. Thank you on behalf of many grateful people that we serve.