Meals On Wheels of Northampton County

Meals on Wheels to Launch “Better Fresh” Local Farm Produce Project

Meals on Wheels of Northampton County produces 1,900 meals daily for seniors in the greater Lehigh Valley area. Now the food just got better with the launch of the new "Better Fresh" program.

Meals on Wheels will now be partnering with local farms to use any many fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible in preparing their clients' meals. The program is modeled after a success pilot program created by "The Seattle Farmers Market Nutritional Pilot Program". This project involved the delivery of market baskets filled with locally grown produce on a bi-weekly basis to 480 low income Meals On Wheels participants in the greater Seattle community. The purpose of the study was to determine if the program would increase fruit and vegetable intake among seniors who received the baskets. The baskets were distributed over a period of six months to correspond with the availability of seasonal produce.

The results were reported as follows:

· 39 % reported eating 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day by the end of the season. All participants had increased their intake of fruits and vegetables.

· 94% stated interest in continuing their participation in the future.

· There was overwhelming appreciation for the quality and variety of produce items and the fact that the food was locally grown.

· Without the program, homebound seniors reported little access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Why Fresh Fruits and Vegetables?

There has been a growing decrease in the purchase and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables among older adults in the country, despite the fact that such produce are rich in nutrients that help to prevent or delay the onset of disease and help to improve the health and quality of life for seniors. This project has the potential of benefiting seniors with the greatest need for good nutrition as well as supporting our local farms to help sustain and bolster our local economy, preserve our environment and contribute to the preservation of farms in the Lehigh Valley.

The problem with regard to the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables among seniors is best summarized as follows: "Only 30% of people 65 years old and older eat five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables per day, the minimum recommendation for good nutrition." ("Getting the Fruits and Vegetables You Need", McCoy K., Marcellin, Linda, MD). 85% of Medicaid recipients, over the age of 65, have diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidemia, which, in many cases, could be addressed by a healthy diet.

The unique nutritional needs of seniors are based on the fact that our bodies change as we age and seniors have different nutritional needs than teens, children and middle aged adults. Age-related changes affect how the body processes food which influences dietary needs and affects appetite.

These changes include:

· Decrease in metabolism which is more pronounced among seniors who cannot or do not exercise. The body doesn't burn as many calories that means the person eats less and the foods they do eat should be as nutrient-rich as possible.

· Digestive system changes which make it more difficult for the body to absorb important nutrients.

· Changes in appetite that can be caused by medications calling for the need for more tasty and appealing foods.

· Emotional health including depression and the feeling of loneliness that can result in not eating sufficient amounts of food or over eating.

Meals on Wheels will be making a formal announcement about its Better Fresh program at a press conference on Tuesday, August 12 at 1pm at their Meals on Wheels of Northampton County facility. The event will showcase the unveiling of a new logo, an overview of the Better Fresh program and food sampling from their improved menu.

For more information about Meals on Wheels and their programs call 610-691-1030 or visit http://www.mealsonwheelspa.org/. Meals on Wheels of Northampton County is located at 4240 Fritch Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18020.