Eating Well is a Snap
Many older adults are outliving their income and having to make choices between food, housing costs, or medications. No matter your age or income, it is a challenge to have a healthy and balanced diet. Some older adults are not aware of existing community resources or do not have the support needed to access them. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one of these critical resources that are available to help seniors eat nutritiously, and yet, in Dallas County, more than 50 percent of older adults who are likely eligible for the program are not utilizing it.
The Senior Hunger Action Team of the Dallas Coalition for Hunger Solutions has developed a fun, interactive presentation for older adults. It is designed to assist in eating well on a limited budget, with a focus on how SNAP and other community nutrition resources, such as congregate meals and food pantries, can help supplement grocery budgets.
District 12 Commissioner, Marlene Cohen, working with Coalition members, helped develop EATING WELL IS A SNAP! (EWS!). Trained volunteers join City of Dallas Senior Services staff members to provide low-income older adults information about which foods to eat to maintain a healthy diet, how to purchase nutritious foods more economically, and what resources, including SNAP, can be used to supplement their diets. An overview of the City of Dallas’ programs for older adults and SNAP application assistance are also provided.
Attendees receive colorful, informational materials and a cookbook written by Dallas-area older adult chef and lead presenter/trainer Kyra Effren, who was trained at the London Cordon Bleu. One lucky participant receives a basket of fruits and vegetables that costs approximately $15, the minimum amount a person, if eligible, could receive in SNAP benefits.
During 2017, almost 420 older adults at senior centers and housing complexes were reached, and 93 eligible residents were assisted with their applications for SNAP benefits. Two volunteers, Rev. Virginia Holleman from St. Thomas Episcopal Church and retiree Stephen Toon, have teamed up to lead the nutrition portions of EWS! presentations. Stephen reported that he and Virginia were excited to be volunteers. He said, “Eating Well is a SNAP! is a great opportunity to meet with people of my age group who need direction and assistance in being smart shoppers for their diet.” They bring their own touches to presentations, with Stephen providing homemade snacks and Virginia bringing chocolate!
For more information about the initiative, contact Wyonella Henderson-Greene, Coalition Coordinator, Dallas Coalition for Hunger Solutions, at wyonella_henderson-greene@baylor.edu or 214-951-7780.
Author: Marlene A. Cohen
7/21/2018
City of Dallas
Senior Affairs Commissioner
District 12
From “Senior Affairs Dallas” (June/July 2018 issue), a newsletter by the City of Dallas Office of Community Care/Senior Services Division.
