Older Vermonters Nutrition Coalition
Welcome to the Older Vermonters Nutrition Coalition (OVNC). The OVNC is a coalition of various community partners and members that gather to address the issues and needs of Older Vermonters’ nutrition. The OVNC addresses immediate and broad nutritional needs and related factors for older Vermonters. The OVNC aims at adopting a person-centered food security perspective. The coalition consists of professionals across the state of Vermont and continuum of care, involved in various aspects of Older Vermonters Nutrition.
Formed in 2017, OVNC partnered with various organizations to advocate for and support older Vermonters’ nutritional well-being. Recognizing that there were potential partners focused on food access but not specific to older Vermonters, the Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging, in partnership with many community partners and representatives from Vermont Councils on Aging, established the Older Vermonters Nutrition Coalition in 2017.
Regularly convening, the organization has expanded since its inception, now collaborating with the Vermont Foodbank, Hunger Free VT, Vermont Health Care Association, BI-State Primary Care Association, and VT Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, Vermont Association of Senior Centers and Meal Providers (VASCAMP), among others, to connect older Vermonters with essential food access and nutrition programs.
OVNC remains dedicated to ensuring that all older Vermonters have access to what they need to be well-nourished.
Mission
OVNC Mission: All older Vermonters will have access to what they need to be well-nourished.
Key Initiatives
OVNC Food Resource Guide
The OVNC created the OVNC Food Resource Guide, a widely distributed trifold brochure that highlights food resources such as nutrition counseling and food assistance programs like 3SquaresVT and Meals on Wheels, connecting older adults with local nutrition and food access resources.
Benefits
Provides easy access to information on nutrition counseling, education, and programs like 3SquaresVT and Meals on Wheels.
Malnutrition Awareness Week
In 2023, the OVNC’s efforts around ‘Malnutrition Awareness Week’ led to a proclamation from Vermont’s Governor, underscoring the essential link between good nutrition and health and advocating for systematic nutrition screening and interventions across the continuum of care. The third week in September is becoming nationally recognized as Malnutrition Awareness Week. The OVNC and member agencies have been actively involved in this initiative since 2023. This is an annual initiative raising awareness about nutrition’s impact on older adults’ health.
Across the Fence Interview
Experts from OVNC discuss nutrition and wellness for older Vermonters, as well as give an overview of the Coalition.
Get Involved
Join OVNC Monthly Meetings
Details: Participate in OVNC’s monthly meetings held every 4th Wednesday from 2-3 PM on Zoom.
Purpose: Engage directly with OVNC members, contribute ideas, and stay informed about ongoing initiatives.
Contact us at ovnc@googlegroups to join our monthly meetings!
Spread the Word
Share resources and OVNC’s mission! If you would like brochures to distribute, we are glad to send resources.
Advocate for Older Vermonters
The OVNC is committed to promoting discussions and actions addressing older Vermonters’ needs.
Member Organizations & Partners
CHEF Award: May 1, 2024
The CHEF Grant Program
- Under the banner of Hannaford’s “Eat Well. Be Well. – A Path to Better Health” initiative, the CHEF Grant Program will fund organizations and projects supporting the needs of older adults, including improving access to food, and increasing opportunities for socialization.
- OVNC received a grant of $2,500 for recognition for the work the OVNC has done to develop and promote resources and ongoing engagement around the topic of nutrition for Older Vermonters.
- These funds will be used to support future educational materials and educational opportunities for Older Vermonters nutrition projects. Join in the OVNC’s monthly meetings to engage in this ongoing work.
The Connection, Health, and Equity through Food (CHEF) Program – Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging
Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging (V4A)
A network of five non-profit Area Agencies on Aging serving communities across Vermont, dedicated to supporting older Vermonters and their families. Services include caregiver support, health insurance counseling, transportation, senior nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels, adult day programs, home health services, housing options, exercise and wellness programs and resources to help Veterans live independently at home.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Click to download
OVNC is not a program of Bi-State. Bi-State does not take responsibility for the content and/or opinions expressed on this page. To contact the OVNC, please use the email address provided on this page, as Bi-State and the FAHC is not the point of contact for the OVNC.
Contact Us
To contact the OVNC please email: ovnc@googlegroups.com