MASNP:

The Maryland Association of Senior Nutrition Programs (MASNP) represents all Senior Nutrition Programs in Maryland that operate under the auspices of the Older Americans Act. Members share ideas and resources to foster best practices and strengthen program operations. MASNP seeks opportunities to partner with other organizations to enhance the well-being of older adults. In advocating for seniors, MASNP reaches out to groups with common interests, and communicates with governmental bodies to promote improved nutrition of older adults in Maryland.

Program Goal:

To promote better health with improved nutrition, encourage socialization, and provide access to supportive services, enabling older adults to live independently and with dignity in the community.

Program Description:

• Nutrition services include meals, nutrition screening, nutrition education, and nutrition counseling.
• The program has two components: congregate and home-delivered meals.
• The congregate program provides meals, fitness activities, recreational and educational programs. Meals are served in settings that foster socialization and where supportive services are available to participants. These settings include senior centers, community centers, senior housing communities, religious facilities, and schools.
• The home-delivered meal program delivers meals to persons who are homebound due to illness or incapacitation, or are otherwise isolated. This program may make referrals for other assistance and coordinate in-home services.
• Click on individual county web sites on home page for programs, schedules, and other information.

Meals:

• Most of the meals are served at noon, however breakfast and dinner meals may be served.
• In most areas, a traditional hot "main" meal is served. Ethnic meals are available in some locations.
• Home-delivered meals may include one or two meals per day.
• Non-perishable meals may be available for emergency situations.

Eligibility:

• Persons eligible for nutrition services are adults age 60 or older and spouses of any age, regardless of income.
• Under certain circumstances, persons with disabilities who are under 60 years of age may also be eligible for nutrition services.
• Eligible persons may have meals for a voluntary, anonymous donation toward the cost of the meal. Seniors may bring guests (under 60 years of age) but they must pay the full price of the meal.

Funding:

The program is funded by federal, state, and local governments, the Nutrition Services Incentive Program, and with participant contributions. Participant contributions pay for approximately 30% of the meals.

Maryland Statistics:

• There are approximately 300 congregate sites
• Approximately 36,000 persons consume 1,800,000 congregate meals
• Approximately 7,700 persons receive 1,400,000 home-delivered meals
• More than 2,000 volunteers serve in the congregate program and 4,500 volunteers serve in the home-delivered meals program
  • Volunteers add spirit and enhance cost-effectiveness, which makes it possible programs to provide more services with limited funds