News
Spotlight on Innovation: Coalition to Stop Senior Hunger
- By: USAging
- On: 01/03/2018 15:57:51
- In: Hot Topics in Aging
We're highlighting the cutting-edge programs and successful strategies of our 2017 Aging Innovation Award Winners with this spotlight feature. This week we shine a spotlight on ElderSource, winner in the Nutrition category.
The Coalition to Stop Senior Hunger first convened in December 2015 after a community advocate identified senior hunger as a critical issue and reached out to ElderSource. ElderSource led the development of the coalition, working with partners to identify community leaders to bring to the table and formed a charter of those members.The coalition aims to address the more than 2,000 senior citizens on waiting lists for home-delivered meals in northeast Florida.
Coalition members include, in addition to ElderSource, the local AAA, meals providers, health plans, hospitals, food pantries, local advocates and more. Members coordinate services, resources and volunteers to connect clients on the waiting lists with information on nearby congregate meal sites and access to transportation to those meal sites.
The coalition has successfully transitioned almost 200 people from home-delivered meals waiting lists to congregate meal sites, reducing their nutritional risk. To further address local hunger issues among older adults, the coalition has received a grant from the National Council on Aging to help older adults apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Since receiving the AIA award, the coalition has evolved to use Google mapping technology to help identify areas of need and prioritize specific communities in a strategic manner for greater impact. They have also met with the editorial board of a local newspaper and will be working to bring public recognition to the issue of senior hunger and the coalition's work.
To learn more about this year's winners, read our press release and check out our book of winners!