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“This program serves three purposes,” ODA Director Ursel McElroy said in a statement. “It spurs local investment in an economic sector significantly impacted by COVID-19; it increases small-business restaurant investment; and it meets the increased demand of older adults needing nutrition services.”
The short-term program is designed to serve older adults with the greatest economic and social need. It places special emphasis on low-income older adults. It also focuses on older Ohioans living in rural areas; those with severe disabilities; those with limited English-speaking ability; and those with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders.
Participating restaurants must have 50 or fewer employees, be able to produce meals that meet industry-standard nutritional guidelines, and deliver meals to participants, either directly or through community partners. Meals may be hot, cold, or frozen entrees and are available for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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For more information about the Staying Healthy program or nutrition services for older adults, contact your area agency on aging. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community or visit www.aging.ohio.gov/findservices to look up agency contact information.
Staying Healthy is a companion initiative to the Staying Connected daily phone check-in service the department launched in May.
For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
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