ComnirHee Agenda Date: November 15,2006

bounty of Santa Clara
Social Services Agency
Department of Aging and Adult Services Programs
Senior Nutrition Program

CSFCSSA02 111506

Prepared by: Michael Bobadilla
Management Analyst

Reviewed by: Betty Malks
Director Aging and Adult
Services

DATE:

November 15, 2006

TO:

Supervisor James T. Beall, Jr., Chairperson
Supervisor Don Gage, Vice-Chairperson
Children, Seniors & Families Committee

FROM:

Will Lightbourne
Agency Director, Social Services Agency

SUBJECT: Senior Nutrition Program Annual Report

RECOMMENDED ACTION

Accept Annual Report from Department of Aging and Adult Services(DAAS), Senior
Nutrition Program (SNP).
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no fiscal implications.

Board of Supervisors: Donald F. Gage, Blanca Alvarado. Pete McHugh, Jim Beall, Liz Kniss
Count/ Executive; Peter Kutras Jr.
1

Committee Agenda Date: November IS,2006
Agenda Item No.8

CONTRACT HISTORY

Not Applicable.
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION

Acceptance of the report will provide the Children, Seniors and Families Committee(CSFC)
with an Annual Report on current and future activities of the Department of Aging and Adult
Services Senior Nutrition Program.
BACKGROUND

This report provides CSFC with a summary of past fiscal year activities of the DAAS Senior
Nutrition Program. Current activities, accomplishments, future goals, and challenges are
included.

Authorized by the Older Americans Act of 1965, SNP has provided high quality, cost
efficient, nutritious meals to seniors 60 years of age and older through the Congregate Meals
Program and Meals on Wheels Program since 1974 and promotes the role of nutrition in
preventative health and long term care.
CONSEQUENCES QKNEGATIVE ACTION

Negative action will result in CSFC not accepting the annual report from the DAAS Senior
Nutrition Program.
STEPS FOLLOWING APPROVAL

The Clerk of the Board will follow the usual procedures for this type of report.
ATTACHMENTS

• Attachment A: Senior Nutrition Program Annual Report

Board ofSupemsors: Donald F. Gage. Blanca Alvarado, Pete McHugh,Jim Beall, LizKniss
County Executive: Peter Kutras Jr.
2

Senior Nutrition Program Annual Report FY 05-06

Background

The Senior Nutrition Program’s (SNP) mission is to provide high quality, cost efficient,
nutritious meals to seniors and to promote the role of nutrition in preventative health and
long term care. Authorized by the Older Americans Act of 1965, SNP has provided
meals to eligible seniors 60 years of age and older in Santa Clara County through the
Congregate Meals Program and the Meals on Wheels Program since 1974.

Funded by Federal Title INC funds, the County of Santa Clara, city contributions, USDA
funds and participant contributions, the Senior Nutrition Program oversees 34
congregate nutrition sites, three senior day centers and the Meals on Wheels Program.
SNP is comprised of seven staff that includes one(1) Program Manager, one (1)
Administrative Assistant, one (1) Management Analyst, one (1) Nutrition Services
Manager,(two) 2 Registered Dietitians, one (1) Accountant III, and one (1) Accountant
Assistant.

This report summarizes data for FY 05-06, describes accomplishments, highlights
outreach efforts, and addresses future goals and challenges for SNP.
Overview

The Senior Nutrition Program provides congregate and home-delivered meal to seniors
within Santa Clara County. Of the 37 congregate sites, 17 are cook-on-site programs,
14 are restaurant-catered sites, and 6 are catered by Compass Group USA Inc dba
Bateman ENP.

Most of the congregate sites serve lunch meals Monday through Friday. The St. James
Senior Center also provides a Saturday Asian meal and a Sunday meal is provided at
Northside Community Center. Seven breakfasts and seven lunches, supplemented by
milk, bread, fruit, juice, and grocery items are delivered weekly to homebound Meals on
Wheels seniors. In addition to their five day weekly congregate program, Yu Ai Kai,
also delivers hot meals to homebound seniors in their immediate neighborhood.

The Senior Nutrition Program is recognized for the diversity of its participants and the
variety of ethnic meal programs that are provided to serve this population. The range of
meals provided include: Chinese, Asian Indian (Traditional and Vegetarian), Korean,
Japanese, Mexican, and Portuguese cuisine. This effort is reflected in the numerous,
diverse menus used by SNP and is a primary factor for growth in this program. SNP
dietitians prepare 29 menus that are distributed over a 5 week menu cycle at cook-on
site programs. They additionally work with contractors to plan and select restaurant site
and catered site menus.

SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11-15-06

Page 1 of 15

All Senior Nutrition Program providers are subcontractors of the County Senior Nutrition
Program and subject to the County contracting principles for independent contractors.
All contracted services, including site personnel, food service, and related duties, are
monitored and evaluated for contract compliance and performance by SNP staff.
SNP dietitians also provide technical training and assistance as required and as needed
to ensure health, safety and nutrition requirements are met. Dietitians prepare menus
and plan meals that meet current nutrition requirements as well as monitor the daily
operations of the sites and the Meals on Wheels program.

Nutrition Education is provided by staff dietitians to program participants at a minimum
of four times annually at each site. Meals on Wheels clients receive written materials
four times annually. Educational materials are distributed at all nutrition education
presentations and are translated into Japanese, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Korean,
Chinese, Spanish, and Punjabi as needed.

Education topics included: blood pressure/hypertension, food safety and handling, food
and drug interaction, nutrition current events and updates, exercise for older persons,
the food pyramid, and others.
Site and in-service training is provided routinely by dietitians to site managers, kitchen
staff, and volunteers to go over policies, procedures and to answer questions. Inservice training is provided to individual sites depending on the results of site evaluation.
Training topics included: food safety/ handling and preparation, nutrition reports and
procedures, use of data scanner and registration instructions, fire safety, earthquake
preparedness and others.

SNP administration monitors data reporting requirements. These require accurate
electronic capture and reporting of number of persons and meals served as well as
demographic information. Each nutrition site is required to electronically report
information required by the federal National Aging Program Information System (NAPIS)
using a scanner system established by the Council on Aging Silicon Valley (COA)
through its Care Access system. SNP staff act as technical support to nutrition
providers to ensure that data is captured and reported accurately and timely to COA.
This includes installation of hardware and software, training on use of the system, and
troubleshooting reporting, hardware and software problems as they occur. NAPIS
information is input on a regular basis and updated annually by SNP. Training on use of
the system is provided initially and individually to sites as needed.

SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11-15-06

Page 2 of 15

Meals Served

Both Congregate and the Meals on Wheels programs maintained servioe levels in FY
05-06 averaging over 1.1 million meals from the prior fiscal year. The need for nutrition
services is anticipated to increase as more age eligible “baby boomers” access senior
services

Fiscal Year

Congregate
Meals(C1)

2004/2005

2005/2006

558,412

561,610

591,270

593,682

1,149,682

1,155,292

Meals On

Wheels(C2)
Total

Source: SNP Monthly Report, Care Access “Q” Database

Participant Profile
Congregate and Meals on Wheels participants are asked to complete a 1367
registration form v\/hen they first attend a congregate meal site or when they are
applying for Meals on Wheels. The registration form provides basic demographic
information such as ethnicity/race, age, income, and household status that is required
by NAPIS for the Administration on Aging. NAPIS information is reported through a
secure server with the Care Access Program administered by the Council on Aging
Silicon Valley (COA).

Registration is encouraged, but is not mandatory in order to receive a senior nutrition
meal. The 1367 form also includes a nutrition risk screening questionnaire to help
assess a person’s vulnerability to nutrition risk.

The following demographics were compiled from 1367 registrations updated or entered
during FY 05-06:

SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11-15-06

Page 3 of 15

Ethnicity/Race

Santa Clara County has an ethnically diverse population. SNP provides a number of
ethnic meals to its participants reflecting the diverse population of the county. Notably
42% of our congregate registrants list Asian Pacific Islander, Chinese, or Filipino as
their primary ethnic origin. Twenty five (25%) of the Meals on Wheels registrants list
themselves as of Hispanic ethnic origin and 12% Asian Pacific Islander.
Meals on Wheels

Ethnicity / Race

Congregate Meals

African/American

2.0%

5.6%

Am Indian / Native American

0.5%

0.2%

Arab

0.0%

0.1%

Asian

5.0%

0.2%

Asian Indian

1.1%

0.0%

32.5%

12.1%

Chinese

6.2%

1.1%

Filipino
Hispanic
Japanese

2.8%

1.2%

13.8%

24.5%

Asian Pacific Islander

0.3%

0.4%

Korean

0.9%

0.0%

Laotian

0.0%

0.1%

Pakistani

0.0%

0.1%

Persian

0.1%

0.6%

Russian

0.0%

1.5%

Vietnamese

1.2%

1.0%

White

30.7%

50,8%

Other

0.0%

0.6%

Refused

0.0%

0.0%

Unavailable

0.0%

0.1%

Missing

1.2%

0.0%

Age Range

The median age of seniors receiving congregate meals is 75 years with 40% of the
seniors in the 70-79 years range. Sixty four percent(64%) of congregate meal
participants range between 70 and 89 years of age
The median age of seniors receiving Meals on Wheels is 83 years with 45% in the 8089 years range. Eighty percent (80%) of Meals on Wheels recipients range between 70
and 89 years of age.
While the anticipated “age wave” of baby boomers is expected to impact the programs
over the coming years, the registrant profile reflects that the majority of our registrants
are over the age of 70. Less than 24% of congregate meal seniors and 16% of Meals
on Wheels seniors are in the 60-69 years age range.

SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11-15-06

Page 4 of 15

Age Range

Congregate Meals

Meals on Wheels

480

3.6%

6

0.4%

60-69

3111

23.2%

260

16.0%

70-79

5346

39.9%

485

29.8%

80-89

3200

23.9%

731

44.9%

90-99

1082

8.1%

136

8.3%

14

0.1%

11

0.7%

149

1.1%

0

0.0%

0-59

100+

Missing

1629

13382

Note that age 0-59 will Include spouses/caretakers of eligible seniors and disabled persons living in senior housing.

Household and Income Status

Many of our partioipants live alone and are in low-income households. Over 59% of
Meals on Wheels recipients stated that they live alone and 42% of those persons living
alone are female. Almost 47% of congregate meal participants and 84% of Meals on
Wheels recipients indicate that they are in low income*.
Congregate Meals

Meals on Wheels

Live Alone

Female

20.79%

42.12%

Male

11.33%

17.24%

Yes(%)

32.12%

59.36%

Female

27.23%

56.92%

Male

19.60%

27.44%

Yes(%)

46.83%

84.36%

Low Income

* Low income is self-declared per registration.

Seniors at Nutritional Risk

The Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) is a voluntary questionnaire that is conducted as
part of the initial registration and updated annually to assess a senior’s potential for
nutrition risk. Assigned point values are given to conditions that may lead to nutrition
risk. Persons with point values 6 points or above may be subject to nutritional risk. The
data provides information for staff dietitians to target educational subjects and assist
individuals on health counseling.

SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11-15-06

Page 5 of 15

Risk factors include:

Illness or medical condition that changes the kind and/or food eaten (2 pts)
Eating fewer than 2 meals daily (3 pts)
Eating less than 2 daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products (2 pts)
Drinking 3 or more alcoholic beverages daily (2 pts)
Mouth or food problems making it difficult to eat(2 pts)
Insufficient money to buy needed food (4 pts)
Eating alone most of the time (1 pt)
Taking 3 or more prescribed or over the counter drugs daily (1 pt)
Involuntarily gaining or losing 10 pounds over a six month period (2 pts)
Inability to physically shop, cook or feed themselves(2 pts)
While Congregate Meals participants indicated that 20% had between 1-5 nutritional
risk points, 11% were at 6 points or higher indicating a definite potential for nutritional
risk.

An analysis of Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) data completed by SNP staff identified
congregate sites with the highest nutrition risk values. As a result of this analysis, an
intervention plan was designed by SNP dietitians to provide targeted nutrition education
to the sites with the highest percentage of combined risk factors. The targeted nutrition
education was incorporated into the annual nutrition education plan.
For those congregate participants with 6 points or more of nutrition risk the following risk
factors were identified with the highest average of the responses:

53% eat fewer than 2 servings of fruit, vegetables or dairy products
41% have an illness or medical condition that changes the type of food eaten
33% eat less than 2 meals daily
29% involuntarily lost or gained 10 lbs. or more over a six month period
30% have tooth or mouth problems making it difficult to eat.

86% of Meals on Wheels recipients were assessed to be in high nutritional risk (6 or
more points). Meals on Wheels participants are homebound because of illness or
incapacity and have difficulty providing or preparing food for themselves. These
individuals are particularly vulnerable to nutrition risk. Meals on Wheels delivery drivers
are instructed to report significant changes in a recipient’s condition to SNP or COA for
assessment or referral to Adult Protective Services, In Home Supportive Services or
other adult services programs.
Participant Profile Sources: 1367 registrations, Q database FY 05-06, NSI questionnaires, Congregate Meals
Surveys May 06, Meals on Wheels Surveys Aug 06, SNP Nutrition Risk Analysis

SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11-15-06

Page 6 of 15

Funding
The Senior Nutrition Program is funded by a combination of Title NIC Older Americans
Act funds (Federal and State matching), County funds, City contributions, USDA funds,
and Participant contributions.
The budget for SNP is determined annually based on availability of Federal, State and
Local funds. The Older Americans Act provides Federal Title INC funds. State and
County matching funds are required in order to receive Title MIC funding. USDA funding,
received through the Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP) provides a per meal
reimbursement. The level of city contribution is determined per contract for county/city
co-funded senior nutrition programs in San Jose, Campbell, Milpitas, and Santa Clara.
The cities of Los Gatos, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale provide available
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)to senior nutrition contractors within
their city limits.
SNP expended $5,714,648 dollars in FY 05-06. Funding was distributed as follows:

23.8%

Federal Title MIC Funds

1,361,786

State Matching
Participant Contributions
City Contributions*
County Match

208,075
813,839
402,572
2,317,093

40.5%

USDA

611,283

10.5%

3.6%
14.2%
7.0%

Senior Nutrition Fiscal Summary FY 05/06
$5,714,648

state Title IIIC

Match,208,075

Federal Title IIIC,
1,361,786

County,2,317,093

Local Contributions

813,839
Cities, 402,572

USDA,611,283

* City contributions reflect revenue received directly from the cities of San Jose, Santa Clara, and Milpitas.
City contributions from Campbell, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale that
offset the amount of county funding are not included.

SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11 -15-06

Page 7 of 15

Program Outcomes
Program outcomes are evaluated not only by the number of meals served and number
of participants, but also by participant survey responses that are conducted annually to
rate the level of satisfaction with service, food, and the impact of senior nutrition
services on the health and well-being of the seniors. The FY 05-06 Congregate and
Meals on Wheels surveys reflected that both programs received high satisfaction ratings
on overall services provided.
The Senior Nutrition Program is rated highiy by participants for the services that it
provides.
> Overall satisfaction by SNP survey respondents indicated that 95% were very
satisfied with the services provided by the Congregate Meals Program and
the Meals on Wheels program.
Source: Congregate and Meals on Wheels Surveys FY05-06.

Congregate Meals Outcomes

The Congregate Meals Program provides hot meals at Senior Centers and locations
provided by community based organizations(CBO)throughout the County. In addition
to meals providing 1/3 Recommended Daily Adult requirement for older adults, nutrition
services in a congregate setting enable senior to access an array of health and social
services. They have access to services such as legal referrals, health counseling, and
transportation services. Congregate participants benefit from the socialization provided
by activities such as dancing, arts and crafts, yoga, exercise, and excursions. They
remain socially engaged, diverse in their activities, and mobile. Congregate Meals
participants feel healthier by attending and receiving meals through the Senior Nutrition
Program. Their health and overall well-being are improved through activities provided
at the senior and community centers and help them to remain independent.
95.3% of congregate survey respondents stated that their health had improved
since attending the Senior Nutrition Program;
>

97.6% stated their physical health and spirits were maintained by socialization at
the senior site centers;

V.

91.8% indicated that participation in the program assisted them in maintaining
their independence;

75% stated that they exercise on a regular basis;

48% indicated that they use other services offered at the senior/community
centers;

42% list automobile as their primary mode of transportation to the program, 22%
use the bus and 11% walk to their sites.
SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11-15-06

Page 8 of 15

Source: Congregate Nutrition Survey FY 05-06

The following cities, community based organizations(CBO) and vendors provide
congregate nutrition services.
Asians Americans for Community
Involvement (AACI)
City of Campbell
Salvation Army
La Comida of Palo Alto
First United Methodist Church of
Los Gatos

Filipino American - Northside
Community
Indo-American - Northside

Community
Community Services Agency
Mountain View/Los Altos

Compass Group Inc. dba Bateman

Portuguese Organization for Social
Services and Opportunities(POSSO)
First United Methodist Church -

Sunnyvale
West Valley Presbyterian Church
Catholic Charities (John XXIII, Eastside,
Gilroy)
Self Help for the Elderly (Cupertino/San
Jose)
Indo American Community Center
(Milpitas and Sunnyvale)
Korean American Community Services

City of San Jose (Alma, Berryessa,
Evergreen, Hank Lopez, St. James,
Willows)
City of Santa Clara

ENP
HOPE

YMCA Santa Clara Valley (Morgan Hill)

Live Oak Adult Day Services (Los
Gatos, Cupertino)

Yu Ai Kai

A total of 561,607 meals were provided, averaging 2,255 congregate meals
served daily over 247 annual serving days in FY 05-06;
>

13,382 unduplicated persons were served;

>

25,787 rides were provided by Outreach to seniors attending congregate nutrition
sites;

>

The average cost per meal was $6.17;

>

The average contribution per meal was $1.36

Source: SNP Monthly Report, Q Care Access, SNP Accounting

SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11 -15-06

Page 9 of 15

Meals on Wheels Outcomes

The home delivered meals program is provided primarily through a contract with
Compass Group USA Inc dba Bateman Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP). This program
provides a weekly delivery of 7 breakfasts and 7 entrees supplemented by fresh fruit,
juice, milk, bread, and other grocery items to homebound seniors who are unable to
provide meals for themselves or have difficulty obtaining food because of illness or
disability. Additional neighborhood Meals on Wheels are prepared and distributed by
Yu Ai Kai to a limited geographical location.
>

A total of 593, 682 Meals on Wheels were provided, averaging 1,626 daily meals
annually:
1,698 unduplicated persons were sen/ed;

>

The average cost per meal was $2.35;

>

The average contribution per meal was $0.46.

Source: Q Care Access, SNP Accounting

Meals on Wheels seniors are receiving nutritious meals equivalent to 2/3 of the
Recommended Daily Requirement for older adults; and this program helps participants
remain in their own homes.

>

91% of Meals on Wheels survey respondents indicated that they have been
eating better since receiving Meals on Wheels;

>

96% respondents indicated the program assisted them in maintaining their
independence;

>

93% respondents would recommend MOW to a friend or relative.

Source: MOW survey FY 05-06

Accomplishments
• SNP was recognized by the California Department of Aging that this Area
Agency on Aging (PSA 10) had marked increases in the number of meals and
seniors served while as a whole there has been a decrease in participation
throughout the State. CDA acknowledged SNP in offering multiple menus and a
variety of ethnic meals to provide the opportunity of choice in its service area by
offering this solution as one of the “Best Practices” for congregate meals in
California.

• A satisfactory evaluation rating of a minimum 90% performance based rating of
budgeted meals served was established by SNP for congregate sites in FY 05-06.
Sites averaged a 98% performance annual rating in FY 05-06.
SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11-15-06

Page 10 of 15

• The California Department ot Aging acknowledged SNP for having the lowest

congregate per meal cost and having the 3'^'^ lowest MOW per meal cost in the
State.

• 51 outreach activities were completed as part of a continuing effort to promote
the Congregate and Meals on Wheels programs.

• Advertisements were placed in English, Spanish and Vietnamese to ensure that
the Congregate and Meals on Wheels programs were offered to our diverse
population.
• Targeted ads by zip code were placed in community newspapers in areas with
high-density senior populations in poverty.

• SNP participated in a nation-wide “March for Meals” campaign that included
extensive media coverage to call attention to senior hunger in America and
provide awareness of the availability of the Meals on Wheels program. Mayors
from 11 cities in Santa Clara County participated in delivering meals to
homebound seniors.

• The SNP Meals on Wheels program applied and was accepted in the 2006 Santa
Clara County Combined Giving Campaign as a new agency where employee
contributions could be made.

• SNP partnered with the countywide Food Safety Net committee that includes
other Social Services Agency partners and Community Based Organizations to
share and coordinate food resources available in Santa Clara County. A
targeted outreach to Brown Bag recipients was coordinated with the Second
Flarvest Bank that resulted in increased attendance by seniors who had not
previously visited a congregate meals program. Information was also distributed
to encourage seniors to refer friends or relatives who could benefit from the
program.

• In collaboration with the County Planning Department, data was compiled and
completed to identify areas underserved by the Senior Nutrition Program by
Supervisorial District. This data was presented by the County Planning
Department to the Board of Supervisors on September 27, 2005. This data is
serving as baseline data to better target outreach and services in the future and
has already been used to establish two new congregate sites in FY 06-07. The
data also was used to distribute mailers promoting the availability of senior
nutrition services in areas with seniors below the poverty level.
• 120 mandated education and training events were provided to senior nutrition
participants. Senior Nutrition staff provided education and training on topics that
included diabetes, methods to improve eating habits, food safety, osteoporosis,
low sodium, hypertension, and modifying meals based on their diet. Participant
surveys indicated an 86% satisfaction rating with the education and training
presentations.
SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11-15-06

Page 11 of 15

Electronic scanner download stations were installed at 10 congregate sites to
provide improved access for contractors in providing required reporting data to
SNP.

A MOW trust account was established to recognize and acknowledge donations
to MOW. This account will be used in conjunction with the planned
establishment of an online internet donation link on the County website.
Advertising in local newspapers generated $2,370 in additional donations in FY
05-06.

Two new Hispanic and Asian entrees were introduced in the MOW program
expanding the menu selection and received positive feedback from recipients.

SNP piloted proposed changes by the Federal and State statutes in dietary
guidelines to determine how increased vitamin and nutrition requirements would
affect cost and meal preparation. The results of this pilot were shared with the
State to assist in statewide implementation of these guidelines in FY 07-08.
Future Goals

• Two new congregate nutrition sites, Santa Clara Valley Blind Center and Self Help
for the Elderly Amber Glow, will be opened in FY 06-07 based on under served
areas of seniors in poverty identified by the Planning Department data.

• In January 2007 seven new dinner entrees including 2 ethnic selections will be
introduced to the MOW menu to increase choice of dinner entrees and to further

expand ethnic variety of meals.

• SNP is continuing its efforts to establish an on-line donation link on the County
Internet site. SNP is working with SSA Information Systems staff by participating on
the E-Payment requirements validation team to review and validate specifications for
the upcoming RFP to select a countywide E-Payment vendor.
• SNP will continue to seek other sources of funding for the program. The challenge
of seeking additional funding from city partners continues to be a goal although
economic conditions similar to the County affects the cities’ ability to increase their
funding.
• SNP is exploring available grant funding and is currently applying for a 3 year grant
through a Vitamin Cases Settlement Fund (VCSF)for a MOW project that will
provide additional fresh salad meals and fruit plates to homebound seniors. The
VCSF is a result of a class action suit against several vitamin manufacturers for

alleged price fixing of products. $10 million dollars in grant funds was made
available to non-profits and public agencies for projects to improve the health of
California consumers. After submitting a Letter of Interest, SNP was one of 85
applicants invited to submit a full proposal out of 397 initial inquiries to VCSF.

SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11-15-06

Page 12 of 15

Challenges
On October 17, 2006 the Older Americans Act was re-authorized. It gives increased
recognition to both the importance of good nutrition and to the critical role that senior
nutrition programs play in ensuring that elderly persons receive good nutrition. There is
an emphasis on the link between nutrition, health promotion, and disease prevention.

The bill inserted language to express many purposes of the nutrition program:
They are:
1. to reduce hunger and food insecurity
2. to promote socialization of older individuals; and
3. to promote the health and well-being of older individuals by assisting such
individuals to gain access to nutrition and other disease prevention and health
promotion services to delay the onset of adverse health conditions resulting from
poor nutritional health or sedentary behavior.

Over the last several years a substantial growth in the elderly population has increased
the demand for meal services - a trend that will continue well into the mid twenty-first
century. The oldest of America’s seniors, those aged 85 and older, are the most rapidly
growing age group.
The Senior Nutrition Program is the most successful in preventing senior
malnourishment. The meals and social interaction are essential for seniors to prevent
or delay the onset of chronic disease or disability. In turn, the use of more costly
alternatives such as hospitalization or long term care institutionalization is delayed.
More than three quarters of a million Americans over 65 and living alone have diffioulty
providing themselves with a steady supply of food and experience some degree of
hunger. Dr. J. Larry Brown, director of the Center on Hunger and Poverty at Brandeis
University states, “Ensuring adequate food and nutrition is essential to the prevention of
chronic disease and disease-related disabilities among seniors.”

The ability to sustain current level of services with a projected County deficit is the
challenge facing SNP. While the Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act specifies
the need for senior nutrition service, SNP will need to continue these services without
foreseeable increase in funds from Federal, State, or local sources. The continued

support from the Board of Supervisors is necessary to reinforce the County’s
commitment to serving the elderly, frail, and disabled seniors of Santa Clara County.

SNP Report FY06 CSFC 11-15-06

Page 13 of 15

The Senior Nutrition Program acknowledges the support of volunteers that are vital to
its existence. Many of our volunteers are also participants. SNP asked our sites to
provide some feedback from their clients to reflect the dedication of our volunteers and
provide some insight on how SNP makes a difference in their lives. The following
stories were shared by some of our participants.
Volunteer Experiences

Mary was born November 4,1916 in North Dakota. Mary was married at an early age. She
and herfamily moved to Gilroy and raised tM’o children.

In 1954 she started w’orkingfor Gilroy Foods and continuedfor 27years. Mary’s husband
passed away in 1977 and thefolloMung year her son passed away. Her daughter eventually
moved aM>ay to Colorado and Mary was left alone. Before she retired in 1981 Maryfound out
about a senior center opening up in Gilroy. She started attending and volunteering her time to
the center. She has been attending the senior center ever since those first days.
Mary continues to volunteer and receive meals at the center although she muII be turning 90 in
November. The center staffsays that she does not miss a single day. She helps set the tables and
brings in seniorsfor lunch. Mary’s dedication and devotion to the center inspires staffand
other seniors.
00

A couple, both over 80 years in age, have been participating at the Yu Ai Kai Senior Center
senior nutrition lunch programfor over 20 years. Although her husband passed aw’ay last year,
the wife continues to attend the program every day. She has an extensivefamily, hut does not
want to rely on them and would rather stay independent. She prefers to visit and laugh with her
friends at the center. She appreciates being able to attend the lunch program. She considers the
staffand thefriends at the center her family.
00

November 30, 2005 was one ofthe greatest days of my life. I wasfinally retiring after a lifetime
ofhard work. 1 was lookingforward to doing nothing. 1 was happy,jubilant, and ecstatic. By
the fourth month dissolution and depression was setting in. I didn’t leave my house much. My
eating habits were getting worse, and my doctor told me that 1 had high cholesterol and was in
danger ofgetting diabetes. All this accompanied my alcoholism.
My doctor suggested that 1 look up one ofthe nearby senior centers and attend their nutrition
program. 1 began attending the Eastside Neighborhood Center in March 2006 and now I eat
there 2 times w^eekly. 1get a good balanced meal and the people arefriendly.
1 now give back to the community by volunteering when I’m needed. The ladies in the kitchen
are very hard workers and deserve our thanks and gratitude for ajob M>ell done. I know how
hard the kitchen staffworks. I’m also a substitute kitchen helper.
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Participant Stories

Storiesfrom Live Oak Nutrition and Services Center at Los Gatos
71 year old man, with recently diagnosed macular degeneration (attending since he was 60
years old), states that he comes for the nutritious vegetables that he would not prepare at home.
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60 year old woman with diabetes comes to the center to get a nutritionally balanced meal.
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86 year old M’oman M’ith diabetes and heart problems comes to the centerfor a balanced and
nutritious meal. She took the bus to the center until recently when shefell at the bus stop. She
now takes advantage ofOutreach paratransit and volunteer transportation services provided at
the center.
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Storyfrom India Community Center at Milpitas
/ live with myfriend in Milpitas. Sometimes 1go to the ICC center. There 1 get a balanced diet,
and goodfood. I enjoy the various activities and programs that happen in the ICC center. 1 am
going regularly to ICC. I like to go there to play pool with myfriends and chat with them. I take
part in the programs too. I enjoy the company at ICC.
GO

Storyfrom Santa Clara Valley Blind Center
A totally blind senior man attended our organization weekly and w’ould eat a banana and piece
ofbreadfor lunch due to lack ofincome and the inability to cookfor himself. He lives alone in a
small studio apartment and has nofamily to assist him. He is now enjoying the hot nutritious
meals provided by the Senior Nutrition Programfor which he is very grateful. Furthermore, he
started visiting other sites on the days that we don’t serve so that he can have a healthy meal.
The Senior Nutrition Program allows him the opportunity to have hot healthy meals he would
not otherwnse receive.
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Storyfrom Alma Senior Center
Ruben, age 70, lives alone in the neighborhood and came to us about 6 years ago. Ruben is a

singer and before he was entertaining us Mhth songs before it was evident that he was very ill.
He has cancer on his leg and a broken hipfrom afallfrom a ladder. After a lengthy time in the
hospital he started attending the site as much as he could. During that time we provided him
with a wheelchair and crutches. On days when he couldn’t attend we delivered his meals. Today
he still has cancer, but he is able to come in daily and has started singing again.
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