PA NEN Briefings - Nutrition Education for Seniors

Steve Gauvry, PA NEN

On August 9 and 10, Steven Gauvry, PA NEN promoter, collaborated with Carol Sadowski and Antonia Redigan of Penn State Cooperative Extension in Westmoreland County to bring information on the PA Nutrition Education Tracks to Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Clearfield and Washington Counties. AAA staff, supervisors, and directors as well as staff from other partnering agencies attended the programs. The group learned about promising practices based upon current Tracks projects, how to become a Tracks project, and what nutrition education resources are available for low-income seniors.

The briefing began with Antonia Redigan’s presentation consisting of two lessons that could be provided to seniors. These lessons served as examples of what the seniors would learn in their nutrition education classes. In her usual manner, Antonia wowed the attendees with her knowledge and humor.

Following Antonia’s presentation, Steven Gauvry gave an overview of the PA NEN and the role that it plays in relation to the PA Tracks. He then provided a description of the four Tracks and explained that costs for providing nutrition education can draw dollar-for-dollar, federal cost share. Steven also discussed expenses for nutrition educators, building space, and the costs associated with copying, taste-testing, and administrative expenses. 

There were many questions from the attendees regarding the potential to offer Tracks programming to seniors at AAAs. Carol Sadowski, Tracks project manager for Westmoreland County, and Steven answered those questions. 

Following the question/answer period, Carol Sadowski gave a detailed presentation on MyPyramid, including how to use the MyPyramid Tracker via the MyPyramid Web site (www.mypyramidtracker.gov/). 

These presentations successfully promoted the Tracks program and the PA NEN is looking forward to giving similar presentations in the future.  For more information, please contact Steven Gauvry at panen@pahunger.org.

 

Antonia Redigan presents ideas for nutrition education lessons geared toward seniors

 
Participants from Area Agencies on Aging and partnering organizations learn about PA Tracks.

Antonia Redigan, Becky Fortenbaugh, Steve Gauvry and Susan Badzik smile in Charleroi, PA.

 

 Antonia Redigan, Sandy Schuckers, Vicky Confer and Steve Gauvry in Bellefonte, PA.