Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is collaborating with the federal Administration for Community Living and senior nutrition service providers to mark the 53rd anniversary of the Senior Nutrition Program during March for Meals Month.

"For more than 50 years, senior nutrition services have helped create healthy, strong communities where all members can flourish, including our older residents," stated Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "The Senior Nutrition Program ensures we provide nutritional and social supports to those in need. It is often the gateway for referrals to other nutrition and wellness services such as nutrition education and counseling services, health promotion and disease prevention programs, and other home and community-based services."

Since its inception in 1972, the national Senior Nutrition Program has been instrumental in providing nutrition services for older adults. Supported by the Older Americans Act, local senior nutrition programs serve as essential hubs for individuals aged 60 and above to access meals and other crucial services that foster social connections and enhance health. In recognition of its significance, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed this month as March for Meals Month in Michigan.

Across the United States, up to half of adults over 65 are at risk of malnutrition annually, with more than 10 million facing hunger. In Michigan communities, some older adults struggle to access nutritious food necessary for maintaining health and independence.

Data from the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2021 indicates that 9.8% of older adults in Michigan experience marginal food security. This means their "households had problems at times, or anxiety about accessing adequate food." Additionally, 6% face low food security with reduced "quality, variety and desirability of their diets," while 2.7% endure very low food security where "eating patterns of one or more household members were disrupted" due to financial constraints. Consequently, over 337,000 Michiganders aged 65 and older are not fully food secure.

Within the Senior Nutrition Program network, local Area Agencies on Aging, Commissions on Aging, senior centers, and other organizations aid older adults statewide by promoting healthy eating habits, reducing social isolation, and enhancing health outcomes. These partners also connect individuals to home-delivered meals and congregate dining sites that support independence.

In fiscal year 2024 in Michigan alone, nearly 50,000 recipients received approximately 8.7 million home-delivered meals while another 1.5 million meals were served through congregate dining sites at over 450 locations including senior centers.

For further details about programs available for older adults or ways you can contribute towards supporting senior nutrition efforts visit Behavioral & Physical Health & Aging Services Administration website or watch their promotional video on Senior Nutrition Programs.