The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. announces that the Campus Dining Program recently received recognition from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) with a 2019 Aging Innovations Award, the highest honor presented by n4a to member agencies. The awards program is supported by WellCare Health Plans. Campus Dining Program was among the top 16 of 48 local aging programs to receive honors during the n4a Annual Conference & Tradeshow, July 27-31, New Orleans.
The 2019 n4a Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards recognizes Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American aging programs that develop and implement cutting-edge approaches to support older adults, people with disabilities and their family caregivers. Among the selection criteria was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.
“n4a is thrilled to present the Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards to a diverse and talented group of Area Agencies on Aging. We are happy to say that every corner of the country is represented in the 2019 awards this year” said Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Officer of n4a. “The work the Innovations winners have done, especially, is remarkable. These AAAs have developed truly innovative programs in their communities to better meet the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers. From programs that focus on healthy aging or transportation to nutrition or housing, we commend them all and urge them to continue creating great programs like the ones highlighted in this year’s 2019 Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards,” Markwood said.
The Campus Dining Program connects college students and older adults at an on-campus congregate meal site. The program, a partnership between the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., Ohio State University at Mansfield and North Central State College, provides older adults with flexible dining hours, fresh food choices and intergenerational programming that promotes lifelong learning, positive aging and mentorship.
The Campus Dining Program provides a wider variety of fresh and healthy foods than the single meal selection that is usually offered by traditional meal sites. This format supports new relationships and activities with students and faculty.
The 2019 n4a Aging Innovations Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories including Caregiving, Health-LTSS Integration, Healthy Aging, Housing, Information & Referral/Access to Services, Nutrition and Transportation & Mobility. All winners are showcased in the n4a awards book.
The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., located at 2131 Park Avenue West in Ontario, provides leadership, collaboration, coordination and services to older adults, people with disabilities, their caregivers & resource networks that support individual choice, independence and dignity. (www.aaa5ohio.org)
