The purpose of this funding opportunity is to verify the effectiveness of SNP innovative programs or practices implemented during COVID-19 that positively impact participants. Project goals and outcomes must relate to the OAA SNP intents (specifically: a) reduce hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, b) promote socialization, and c) promote health and well-being by delaying the onset of adverse health conditions, through the provision of meals and associated nutrition services to vulnerable older adults who are in greatest social and economic need.). Proposed projects must have strong potential for replication by the aging services network and sustainability using OAA Title IIIC-1 funding.
Applications should include approaches for measuring the effectiveness of innovative programs or practices that support transitioning to and sustaining congregate meal programs and delivering impactful nutrition education.
Innovations must align with health equity approaches [9] and the OAA by targeting services to underserved older adults with greatest social and economic need, to permit such individuals to remain in home and community-based settings. The at-risk population should include older adults who formerly participated in the congregate nutrition program and other community-based programs, whose activity levels, access to healthy food, as well as opportunities to connect socially with others, grocery shop, obtain medical care, and exercise may have declined or changed significantly during COVID-19. These individuals, who previously were vigorous and independent, may have experienced declines in nutritional health, food security, physical capabilities, mental health and social connection.
Applicants’ proposals must focus on creating partnerships between Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), or other research organizations in collaboration with aging services network organizations to test innovative programs or practices for the SNP. Testing and evaluating efforts should focus on enhancing the quality, effectiveness and sustainability of older adult nutrition programs services, in times of emergencies but also sustainable during nonemergency situations.
Deadline: May 24, 2021
Domestic public or private non-profit entities including state and local governments, Indian tribal governments and organizations (American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native American), faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, and institutions of higher education.