Nutrition Programs

The Texas Health & Human Services Commission’s statistics indicate that up to 85% of people over age 65 are at risk of malnutrition due to factors including isolation, poverty, disability, chronic prescription drug misuse, and dietary choices.
 
Locally, the Area Agency on Aging funds two programs addressing the nutritional needs of older Permian Basin Residents.
 
Congregate Meal:   A hot or other appropriate meat served to an eligible person which meets 33 1/3 percent of the dietary reference intakes as established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and complies with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the Secretary of Agriculture, and whish is served in a congregate setting.  The objective is to reduce food insecurity and promote socialization of older individuals. There are two types of congregate meals, as follows:
 
      •  Standard Meal:   The regular meal from the standard menu that is served to the majority of all of the participants.
      •  Therapeutic Meal or Liquid Supplement:   A special meal or liquid supplement that has been prescribed by a physician and is planned specifically for the participant by a dietician, i.e., diabetic diet, renal diet, pureed diet, tube feeding.
 
Home Delivered Meals:   Hot, cold, frozen, dried, canned or supplemental food (with a satisfactory storage life) which provides a minimum of 33 1/3 percent of the dietary reference intakes established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and complies with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the Secretary of Agriculture, and is delivered to an eligible participant in their place of residence, and which is delivered to an eligible person in his/her place of residence.  The objective is to reduce food insecurity, help the recipient sustain independent living in a safe and healthful environment.  There are two type of home delivered meals, as follows:
 
     •  Standard Meal:  The regular meal from the standard menu that is served to the majority of all of the participants.

     •  Therapeutic Meal or Liquid Supplement:  A special meal or liquid supplement that has been prescribed by a physician and is planned specifically for the participant by a dietician, i.e., diabetic diet, renal diet, pureed diet, tube feeding.

Factors leading to malnutrition are:
      •  Isolation
      •  Poverty
      •  Disability
      •  Dietary Choices

For more information, please contact us here.