50th Anniversary of the Nutrition Program
November 2023 Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) 721 Oxford Avenue Suite 1130 Eau Claire WI 54703 Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm 715-839-4735 1-888-338-4636
tty: use Relay (711)
Website and Email www.eauclaireadrc.org adrc@eauclairecounty.gov
Social Media www.facebook.com/ ECC.ADRC www.instagram.com/ adrceauclaire/ ADRC Mission Statement
To advocate for individuals age 60+ and adults living with disabilities, and assist them in securing needed services or benefits, live with dignity and security, and achieve maximum independence and quality of life.
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The ADRC Nutrition program was conceived after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older American Act (OAA) of 1965 into law. In March 1972 an amendment was made to the OAA to meet the ever-changing needs of older Americans which established funds for a national nutrition program. It was intended to serve “older Americans low cost and nutritionally sound meals at strategicallylocated centers, such as schools, churches, community centers, senior citizens centers, and other public or private facilities where they can receive their social and rehabilitative services.” Funds were made available for both congregate and home delivered meals. Wisconsin allocated $600,000 in funding to start the elderly nutrition program. Rusk County was the first county to receive funding. In November 1973 Eau Claire County joined the Wisconsin nutrition program. By 1979 there was statewide usage of nutrition program. This month is the 50th anniversary of the Nutrition program in Eau Claire county. This program serves both congregate dining and home delivered meals, better known as Meals on Wheels. Volunteers are at the core of the operations. Without the dedicated volunteers every day, the programs would cease to exist, so it is important for us to say THANK YOU to our many volunteers who have given their time over the last 50 years to this program. The meals have continued to transformed throughout the years to best serve the population. Now, the meals delivered and served at congregate dining sites follow the most current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and provide a minimum of 1/3 of the dietary reference intake for older adults, and ensure that older adults have access to at least one nutritious meal five days a week. Congregate dining is not just a meal, it is a space for older adults to socialize, make friends, change their scenery, and improve their overall nutritional health. At the Eau Claire County ADRC, we are grateful to have served the community for the last 50 years and look forward to the next 50. If you would like more information about volunteering or how to be a recipient of the ADRC Nutrition Programs call ADRC 715-839-4735 or email adrc@eauclairecounty.gov.
Eau Claire ADRC will be closed November 23 & 24 In Observance of Thanksgiving Holiday