The field of senior nutrition is changing rapidly. Today, directors in congregate settings or meal delivery programs, AAAs, and others must cater to more diverse groups of older adults with different needs—and respond to both internal and external pressures that may complicate or disrupt meal program operations.
At TRIO Community Meals, we’ve identified five trends that are shaping senior nutrition meal programs nationwide.
Current trends in senior nutrition
- Increased awareness of health equity and nutrition
- The rise of culturally responsive menus
- Expanded use of medically tailored meals
- Increased need for emergency preparedness
- Shifts in government funding and policy uncertainty
Health equity and nutrition
Access to nutritious foods is key for averting diet-related diseases and promoting overall well-being, especially among older adults who may be socially isolated or unable to shop or cook for themselves. More agencies (and consumers) are becoming aware of nutrition as a social determinant of health and recognize the need to close the health equity gap among our country’s most vulnerable populations. With this increased attention comes greater need for nutrient-dense meals provided through community meal programs for older adults and the disabled.
Culturally responsive menus
Across the country, we are seeing more requests for culturally sensitive menu options for older adults from a broad array of different cultures and backgrounds. Whether those meals provide a taste of their homeland, accommodate certain dietary preferences, or provide delicious variety for people who enjoy international cuisine, it is becoming more important for meal providers to address those requests.
By offering meals with flavors and menu items people know and enjoy, senior nutrition programs will be serving more satisfying foods to those who desire culturally responsive meals. Older adults who participate in meal programs are more likely to get the nutrition they need with foods and flavors they are accustomed to.
Medically tailored meals
Medically tailored meals are designed by registered dietitians to meet the nutritional needs of individuals with certain diseases or chronic health conditions. Examples are heart-healthy, renal-friendly, and diabetic-friendly meals, which are available to meal programs, senior centers, and other congregate settings in the senior nutrition space.
Programs may be able to make slight modifications to the meals they are already doing, with the guidance of a registered dietitian, to meet the guidelines of the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, and other entities. TRIO offers a range of medically tailored, nutrient-dense meals from menus that adhere to current Dietary Guidelines for Americans,, which helps your program remain compliant with federal standards for senior nutrition.
Emergency preparedness
As more natural disasters and severe weather events affect the United States, it is vital that emergency shelf-stable or frozen meals are made available to those who rely on meal programs for their nutrition. Having an emergency plan in place and a supply of shelf-stable meals on hand means no one must go hungry when the power is out, the location is not accessible, and regular meals are not possible. We recommend that programs ensure their emergency plan includes meals to cover weekends, holidays, or government closures as well, to ensure the older adults or the disabled they serve never go without necessary nutrition.
Government funding challenges
Uncertainty about federal funding for meal programs has directors rightfully concerned, especially smaller programs that are 100% funded by the federal government. As many other nonprofit organizations are realizing this year, nothing is certain; providers and agencies must improve efficiencies and seek alternative funding streams to keep their senior nutrition programs growing to meet the increasing need, through corporate sponsorships, grants, or local fundraising activities.
Partner with TRIO to meet meal program challenges
At TRIO Community Meals, we stand ready to help program directors and decision makers stay on course with these trends with flexible solutions for meal delivery programs, agencies, and congregate settings. We provide multiple meal formats, robust back-of-the-house services, nutritional education programs, and more to support organizations in the senior nutrition field.As your team navigates industry change, meets current challenges, and plans for future sustainability, consider TRIO a trusted partner to help you create a positive impact in your community. Contact us to discuss your needs at (844) 773-0370.
