Access to nutritious and affordable food has a significant impact on our health. Without access many people face malnutrition and food insecurity, including aging adults. Watch the video below for an overview of these common issues. Keep watching the entire series to under Educational Videos: The Importance of Nutrition and Food Security understand and identify tools and resources that will help you stay healthy.
*placeholder spot for Video 1 - Malnutrition and Food Insecurity*
The videos in this series can be used as a learning tool to help professionals, older adults, and informal caregivers increase their awareness of malnutrition and food insecurity, and the key programs and resources available to older Virginians to improve health and nutrition. You are encouraged to download the videos and use them in a variety of ways. For example, post them on your organization’s website or show them during webinars and conferences.
Video 2 – Congregate and Home-Delivered Meals
Learn about Virginia’s network of Area Agencies on Aging (or AAAs) and the congregate and home delivered meals programs that they offer to their communities. It shares information on the benefits of congregate or group meal sites as well as home delivered meals.
Instructions with Links:
Visit these links to learn more about services offered by local AAAs including congregate meals, home-delivered meals, nutrition counseling, and nutrition education. To identify the local AAA that serves a specific city or county click here.
Video 3 – SNAP and Food Bank
Summary:
This video reviews how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP) can help low-income older adults purchase groceries. It shares how Virginia has made it easier for older adults to apply for and receive SNAP benefits. It also highlights how local food pantries can serve as a great resource for older adults to obtain free food and groceries.
Instructions with Links:
To learn more about SNAP visit this webpage. For assistance applying for SNAP, individuals can call or visit their local Department of Social Services. SNAP can also be applied for online using CommonHelp. Connect with a regional food bank for assistance finding local food pantries. Some food pantries offer food box programs for older adults.
Video 4 – Farm Market Fresh and Virginia Fresh Match
Summary:
This video touches on the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables for nutritional health. It provides an overview of the Farm Market Fresh and Virginia Fresh Match programs, which can help low-income older adults purchase fresh produce from their local farmers’ markets.
Instructions with Links:
Additional information about Farm Market Fresh and Virginia Fresh Match can be found on their webpages. Older adults can apply for Farm Market Fresh by contacting a local AAA. Markets participating in Farm Market Fresh, SNAP, and Virginia Fresh Match can be found on this map. Use the filters below the map to click "Programs" and select the applicable program.
Video 5 – Self-Management Programs (CDSME, etc.)
Summary:
This video reviews how chronic health conditions are connected to an older adult’s nutritional health. It examines the benefits of Chronic Disease-Self Management Education (CDSME) and other evidence-based programs.
Instructions with Links:
Older adults can contact a local AAA to see what Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Programs are available to them. Examples of programs offered in areas of Virginia include the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Diabetes Self-Mangement Program, and Bingocize.
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