Ohio, 10th ‘hungriest’ state for seniors

EATON — The National Foundation to End Senior Hunger (NFESH) recently released a study, The State of Senior Hunger in America 2014: An Annual Report. This study revealed that over 10 million individuals over the age of 60 in the U.S. faced the threat of hunger in 2014. Ohio is the tenth ‘hungriest’ in the nation, at 17.56 percent. This report shows the increasing challenges facing seniors trying to meet their nutritional needs.

At the Preble County Council on Aging (PCCOA) we take pride in ensuring that the seniors in our county are well-fed and meeting their nutritional needs. In 2015 we served 26,583 home delivered meals, averaging between 525-550 meals being delivered per week to seniors all over the county. In addition, we served 8,689 congregate meals in 2015. Congregate meals come with several benefits such as promoting health, reducing the risk of malnutrition, improves nutritional status, reduces social isolation and links older adults to community services.

We are very excited to share that we now offer congregate meals at three different locations. Our latest addition is Ron’s Pizza in Camden, open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Diners may choose from three meals: 1. Spaghetti, 2. Lasagna, or 3. Pizza. All three meals come with tossed salad, garlic bread and fruit juice. Carol Wright is the Nutritionist Site Operator, we are glad to have Carol back in this capacity.

Our two other congregate meal locations are Midway Restaurant at 601 W. Cumberland St. in Lewisburg which offers breakfast 8-10:30 a.m., Monday-Friday. Decade’s Diner, located within the PCCOA at 800 East. St. Clair Street in Eaton offers congregate meals during lunch Monday-Friday from 11-1:00pm.

In order to benefit from a Congregate Meal, one must be 60 years old to be eligible, and those in the most need will receive services first. Suggested donation is $2.50 per meal, and you will need to fill out some paperwork to join in on the congregate meals. Our Home Delivered Meals program is an option for seniors that are unable to get out of their home and/or cook for themselves for a period of time or indefinitely.

As you can see the PCCOA is making strides in ensuring that our seniors are being fed their nutritional needs and not going hungry. For more information, call 937-456-4947. Check out our Facebook Page at Facebook.com/PrebleCountyCouncilonAging and website at www.prebleseniorcenter.org.

Congregate meals are served at several locations across the county.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/07/web1_1congregate4.jpgCongregate meals are served at several locations across the county. Submitted

Decade’s Diner at the Preble County Senior Center is one popular congregate meals site.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/07/web1_1congregate5.jpgDecade’s Diner at the Preble County Senior Center is one popular congregate meals site. Submitted

Mike and Rose are important parts of the transportation department at the Preble County Council on Aging.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/07/web1_1ymca4.jpgMike and Rose are important parts of the transportation department at the Preble County Council on Aging. Submitted
26,583 home delivered meals served in Preble last year

By Holly Steele

For The Register-Herald