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Hernando Today

State Funds Senior Meal Program

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: March 25, 2009

Hundreds of homebound or impaired seniors throughout Hernando County rely on hot meals delivered to their homes or congregate living centers.

And at a time when many senior assistance programs in Florida are being forced to cut back services, comes word from the state that elderly nutrition will not be one of them.

Gov. Charlie Crist has announced that Florida will receive more than $7.2 million in funding to support senior nutrition programs in Florida through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The funding includes $4.8 million for congregate nutrition services provided at senior centers and other community sites and nearly$2.4 million for home-delivered meals to help homebound elders.

Francine Ward, director of programs and operations for Mid-Florida Community Services, said the program is too new to have any concrete information as to how the money will be funneled to Hernando and other counties.

Seniors depend on nutritious meals to maintain their quality of life, said Karen Gidden, registered dietician with the Hernando County Department of Health.

Without these meals, impaired seniors who are unable to cook may lose their independence because they can't stay at home. And, as their physical health declines, they can become more prone to illness.

A proper balanced meal can provide the energy, nutrients and minerals they need, Gidden said.

The state funding is especially vital here in Hernando County, with its large elderly population, she said.

Of the 166,086 people who live here, 48,027 (or 29 percent of the population) are age 65 and older, according to the Bureau of Economic & Business Research.

"Getting a hot meal and visiting with a friendly volunteer can go a long way toward helping older Floridians live independently in their own homes and in their own communities," Crist said. "These funds will help more seniors receive the nutrition necessary for continued health and well-being."

The Recovery Act funding comes as budget constraints have forced states to limit community-based services and critical Older Americans Act related services, including home-delivered meals. Across the country, organizations that serve senior citizens have scaled back services and limited the number of meals served per week.

For more information about senior nutrition programs and to see a state-by-state breakdown of funding for senior nutrition programs, visit www.hhs.gov.

And for information on how to access Florida's senior nutritional programs, call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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