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    INCREASING UNDERSTANDING OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AND LIMITATIONS THAT EXIST WITHIN THE AGING NETWORK

    Dispelling Myths: Support Public Policy for Greater Impact and Sustainability is the result of a year-long research project funded by the Retirement Research Foundation, aimed at increasing senior nutrition programs' understanding of the opportunities and limitations that exist within the aging network. As part of this project, we conducted various focus groups and surveys, aided by the participation of individuals at all levels of the aging network. Through this research we were able to not only identify common myths, but also better understand why they were formed in the first place.

    DOWNLOAD THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY          WATCH THE INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

    INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO COMMON POLICY MYTHS

    To address these policy barriers, we have developed practice models featuring innovative ways senior nutrition programs are addressing policy barriers and taking advantage of opportunities that exist in the Older Americans Act.

    CLICK ON EACH TOPIC TO SEE WHAT STRATEGIES PROGRAMS ARE USING TO MOST EFFICIENTLY SERVE SENIORS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES:

    • LEFTOVER POLICY

      One of the most common areas of misconception in the Older Americans Act; As long as state and local food regulations are followed, leftovers are allowed to be taken from congregate sites. Learn more here.

    • NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS

      DRI and DGA requirements must be followed however this doesn’t mean that choice options aren’t available to help make menus exciting and delicious. Find out what they are here.

    • NUTRITION COUNSELING

      Consulting a dietitian is a great way to help develop nutritional and tasty food. See how you can benefit from one here.

    • FEE FOR SERVICE

      Your services can be paid for by an integrated healthcare entity. Read how programs have done this and what it means for you here.

    • PARTNERSHIPS

      Partnering with local healthcare providers or other nonprofits is a great way to create sustainability for your program while expanding services to more clients. See how exactly others are doing it and how your program can apply it here.

    • CONSUMER DEMANDS

      Nutritious food can also be appetizing food that appeals to a variety of dietary needs. Learn how you can meet the various needs of consumers here.

    Want to provide more examples of how you’re overcoming public policy misconceptions in your state? Email them the Meals on Wheels America research team at research@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

    STATE POLICY MAP

    Through qualitative and quantitative research, we identified several policy and practice barriers reported by senior nutrition programs within the Aging Network, including a lack of state policy knowledge. To address this issue, we created a state policy map which contains each states’ policies or guidelines surrounding senior nutrition programs. Hover over the states below to read their public policies.


    Click on your state below to be directed to your state's nutrition policies.

    Please note that each image is linked to an external document from the corresponding state.