Department of Aging receives funding for senior nutrition programs

The Ohio Department of Aging is receiving more than $5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to help over 70 senior centers and adult day service providers across the state.

$5.3 million in funds was awarded to the department to support nutrition services for 53 senior centers and 22 adult day service providers.

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According to a release, the funds are intended to assist with the safe re-opening and operation of meal programs. Additionally, the money is said to help with costs associated with COVID-19 cleaning and sanitation supplies, personal protective equipment, emergency preparedness procedures and protocols, preparation supplies, technology solutions and other expenses.

“At the same time that the pandemic caused booming demand for nutrition services for older adults, providers found their capacity to provide them decreased and the cost of services increased,” Ursel J. McElroy, director of the Department of Aging, said.

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In a release, McElroy thanked the staffs of the senior centers and adult day service providers for persevering through the pandemic and meeting the needs of the older adults in their communities.

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