Contact: Mary McNamara
Asst. V.P. Membership and Communications
Meals On Wheels Association of America
703-548-5558
mary@mowaa.org

For Immediate Release:

Landmark Nutrition and Aging Summit Begins

Joint effort by Administration on Aging and Meals On Wheels Association of America challenged to face the demands of the aging population

Alexandria, VA, August 20, 2012 – This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the addition of Senior Nutrition Programs to the Older Americans Act. In celebration of this landmark legislation, the AoA–MOWAA National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging will launch a comprehensive online library and will host a National Summit on August 23, 2012. This Summit is an opportunity to honor past successes and people and responsible for achieving them and ensure 40 more years of sustainability and success.

Perspectives on Nutrition and Aging: A National Summit is a first of its kind gathering to explore the demands of the aging population and their impact on our nation’s healthcare system and the economy. The Summit brings together a broad array of individuals from across the country, including Senior Nutrition Professionals, organizations within the aging and anti-hunger networks and health care representatives, for a day of future focused dialogue around the critical link between nutrition and health in the context of a rapidly aging nation.

“The health and nutrition of our aging population is one of the nation’s most critical yet overlooked issues,” remarked Peggy Miller, MOWA Board Chair. “There is so much good work being done around the country to address this challenge. Our goal with the Summit is to bring the best people, the best minds and the best practices together to discuss how we can meet the needs of our seniors.”

The Summit features expert speakers in the fields of nutrition and aging, including David Katz, MD, MPH, Director and Co-Founder, Yale Prevention Research Center and Kathy Greenlee, Administrator, Administration for Community Living and Assistant Secretary for Aging, Department of Health and Human Services.

“For 40 years the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program has been the cornerstone program for a comprehensive and coordinated home and community based service system,” remarked Assistant Secretary for Aging, Kathy Greenlee. “This program helps keep older adults at home in their communities for as long as possible.”

Summit participants will discuss the unique challenges facing Senior Nutrition Programs now and in the future. They will help devise strategies to promote healthy food choices among seniors and adapt to the increasingly diverse needs of the fastest growing cohort of the population.

About Meals On Wheels Association of America
The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the only national organization and network dedicated solely to ending senior hunger in America. MOWAA is the oldest and largest organization composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs in all 50 states as well as the U.S. territories. MOWAA’s vision is to end senior hunger by 2020. To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org.