AARP Joins with Hunger Free Vermont to Promote 3 Squares

AARP Vermont has teamed up with Hunger Free Vermont to help with outreach and promotion of an innovative new program to facilitate seniors’ participation in the federal nutrition program – 3 SquaresVT. Called Eat Well, Age Well, the program provided trained senior volunteers (peers) to go to homes and communities and to educate potential participants and directly assist in the application process. The program aims to break down the barriers to seniors who are reluctant to take part for a variety of reasons.

See Also: How You Can Help End Senior Hunger In America

Eat Well Age Well is a program that connects seniors with peer volunteers to help them apply to receive extra food money each month from the 3 Squares VT federal nutrition assistance program.

The goal of the innovative new Eat Well, Age Well program is to grow a team of “Nutrition Corps” volunteers, age 55+, who will be given the tools and training to reach out to their peers and talk about the importance of nutrition and how 3SquaresVT can help seniors afford fresh, healthy foods. Volunteers share program information, assist seniors in filling out the application and support them throughout the process to ensure they are receiving the maximum benefits and understand how the program works.

• Only about 30% of eligible VT seniors use the program.
  
• Nearly 50% of all health conditions in seniors are due to poor nutrition.
  
• Eating more fruits and vegetables can improve your muscle strength and physical abilities.
  
• Poor nutrition can lead to more hospital visits.
  
• Eating well-balanced meals with healthy, fresh food every day can help you stay active, feeling great, and living in your own home.
  

Applying for 3SquaresVT can be fast and easy, with one-on-one, confidential application assistance available! There are knowledgeable seniors in your community that are trained to help you apply. If you’d like to talk with a peer about how the program works, learn how it may benefit you, and guide you through the application process, the Eat Well, Age Well program can connect you with a volunteer. They can even come to your home. Call Faye Conte, at 802-865-0255.