HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell recognizes the value of good nutrition and regular exercise in promoting good health as he proclaims March 8-12 Older Pennsylvanians’ Nutrition Awareness Week.
“It’s important for all Pennsylvanians – including older citizens — to take good care of their health,” said Rendell. “Eating properly and getting adequate exercise can go a long way to maintaining good health.”
Pennsylvania invests more than $65 million each year to provide nutritious home-delivered and congregate meals. The Department of Aging coordinated the distribution of more than nine million meals to more than 114,000 older adults last year. Many meals are provided through senior community centers as part of a broad range of services and activities those centers offer to older Pennsylvanians.
“These meals provide a balanced diet and a large part of the daily nutrition requirements of many older adults,” said Department of Aging Secretary John Michael Hall. “The meals are provided at least once a day, five days a week and help to meet the nutritional needs of older adults.”
The Department of Aging and the state’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging offer information and programs on proper nutrition for older adults. Volunteer and community-based programs also support these nutritional needs.