In April 2008, CHAMPSS (Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solutions for Seniors) began in Johnson County within the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services.

The CHAMPSS program is funded federally through the Older Americans Act and donations. The program started initially with one local grocery store and has grown to a partnership with all eight Johnson County Hy-Vee locations. In 2022, CHAMPSS expanded to a partnership with three local IHOP locations.

Johnson County CHAMPSS has received Achievement Awards through the National Association of Counties, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs. The program has been replicated across the nation. CHAMPSS is a unique restaurant-based nutrition program that provides participants with another nutrition option outside of the congregate sites. The program allows participants to receive up to one meal per day at a participating location from a dietitian approved CHAMPSS menu. Participants are encouraged to dine in at the CHAMPSS locations to reduce the risk of social isolation. However, all CHAMPSS locations offer a grab-and-go model to take the meal to-go.

In 2022, the CHAMPSS program served more than 31,000 meals. Johnson County Area Agency on Aging foresees the program to continue growing due to the demand for services for the growing older adult population over the next several years.

To find out more about the CHAMPSS program or to enroll in the program, please visit AHS’s webpage: jocogov.org/ahs.