A nutritious diet is important, particularly for seniors, to avoid illness, recover from injury and live longer lives.  That’s why Metro Meals on Wheels has partnered with Minnesota’s Nutritious Food Coalition, a statewide effort to increase participation in the state’s Food Support, formerly Food Stamp, program.  The coalition’s launch coincides with Governor Dayton’s proclamation that January 2012 is Food Support and Nutrition Outreach month in Minnesota. 

The Food Support program is a county-run federal nutrition program that helps people get the foods they need to maintain a healthy diet.  Recent changes to Minnesota’s Food Support program, which include removing the asset test and raising income guidelines to 165% of poverty, have resulted in even more Minnesotans being eligible for the program.  Despite these changes, participation rates in the program are still low, with only 41% of eligible seniors receiving the nutrition benefits.  

To address low participation rates, particularly among seniors, Metro Meals on Wheels has been awarded its second year of funding from the USDA to conduct Food Support outreach with Meals on Wheels clients.  In partnership with our members, Metro Meals on Wheels is raising awareness of the Food Support program by distributing outreach materials, conducting eligibility screenings and providing limited application assistance to Meals on Wheels clients.  

If you know of someone who needs help adding more healthy foods to their diet, please share the Food Support Screening Tool with them or have them call the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151.