Also in March, the National Senior Nutrition Program Month is being celebrated with a 2024 theme of “Connection in Every Bite.”

The annual nutrition education and information campaign is organized by the Administration of Community Living’s Administration on Aging and observed in March. Since 1972, the National Senior Nutrition Program has supported nutrition services for older adults nationwide. Funded by the Older Americans Act, these local programs serve as hubs where people 60+ find healthy meals and other vital services that strengthen social connections, promote well-being through sound eating and physical activity habits.

There are many available resources within Johnson County to support older adults in accessing and achieving a healthy dietary pattern. The Department of Aging and Human Services has seven congregate nutrition centers where individuals 60+ can obtain a nutritious meal.

The agency also provides Home-Delivered Meals to older adults who are homebound.

Individuals 60+ can also participate in the Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solutions for Seniors (CHAMPSS) program to get a meal at participating Hy-Vee locations.

For information on these programs, call 913-715-8861. Individuals may also be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through the Kansas Department for Children and Families or the Commodity Supplemental Food Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.