Senior Dining Sites & Home-delivered Meals
There are 28 Dane County senior dining sites where seniors (age 60+) meet to socialize and have a nutritious meal on a donation basis. Programs, activities, and information about health, resources, and nutrition often accompany the meal. Transportation is available. For those who are homebound, a nutritious meal can be delivered to a person’s home.
Personal Nutrition Counseling Available for Older Adults
One-on-one nutrition counseling is available to older adults seeking information on ways to improve their overall health. Older adults (age 60 and older) who reside in areas served by Dane County’s Senior Nutrition Program are eligible to meet with a Registered Dietitian to discuss nutrition-related questions or difficulties. While there is no charge for this service, contributions are always welcome. Common topics include (but are not limited to): Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic Diet, Unintended Weight Loss, Heart Healthy Diet, Poor Appetite, Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing, Basic Nutrition for Older Adults, Constipation, Diarrhea, Digestion Issues, Acid Reflux, or Eating after a New Health Diagnosis. NOTE: Counseling solely for desired weight loss will not be approved for this service unless accompanied by a doctor referral.
Registered Dietitian
A Registered Dietitian assists in meal planning at all Older Americans Act funded senior dining sites throughout Dane County and ensures the meals provide 1/3 of the RDA (recommended daily allowance) and DRI (dietary reference intake) needed by aging adults. These meals must follow the dietary guidelines for older adults by providing a protein, vegetable, fruit, bread, milk, and dessert. In addition to approving all menus, the Registered Dietitian also completes annual on-site inspections of all Dane County senior dining sites to ensure the sites meet all regulatory guidelines for safety and sanitation.
Program Contact
To learn more about these community resources or to schedule an appointment, contact Shannon Gabriel, RDN, CDN at (608) 261-5678 or Gabriel.Shannon@danecounty.gov.
Starting in June, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) of Dane County will distribute farmers’ market vouchers to older adults for use in purchasing $45 of Wisconsin grown fruit, vegetables, or herbs at farmers’ markets and roadside farm stands.
The vouchers are distributed on a first come/first serve basis to those age 60+ or Native Americans age 55+, who live in Dane County, and have gross incomes under $27,861 per year (or $2,321/month) for a one person household and $37,814 per year (or $3,151/month) for a two person household. One set of vouchers is available per person.
Individuals that received vouchers last year will automatically receive an application by mail this year. If you wish to apply to the program, or need to update your mailing address, contact AAA Dietitian Shannon Gabriel at 608-261-5678 or Gabriel.Shannon@danecounty.gov Applications will be mailed out in early May. Once we receive and approve your application, vouchers will be mailed starting on June 1st.
“This program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
Nutrition News is a quarterly newsletter published by the AAA to provide Dane County older adults with nutrition information, wellness tips, and other health-related resources. Please see the latest edition below.
