Colchester, VT— Age Well is thrilled to announce that it received a 2024 Aging Achievement Award from USAging, one of the highest honors presented by USAging to its members. “Reducing the Stigma—Food Insecurity” was selected in the Home and Community-Based Services category, which was among 22 local aging programs to receive achievement honors during USAging’s 49th Annual Conference and Tradeshow, July 8–11 in Tampa, FL.
The 2024 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards, supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus.care, recognizes USAging’s Area Agency on Aging members that have found new and innovative ways to support older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers as they live in their homes and communities.
“At USAging, we are thrilled to recognize the outstanding achievements of this year’s Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards recipients. Their innovative programs and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older adults set a high standard for excellence in our field. These initiatives not only enhance the well-being of our aging population but also inspire others to strive for impactful and lasting change in their communities,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood.
Age Well worked closely with faith-based partners, community organizations and libraries in their area to establish eight new meal sites in underserved areas without local senior centers. Each meal site also provides SNAP education and easy access to a food pantry, allowing older adults to pick up goods that they may need while they are already out. This helps reduce the stigma that can prevent asking for help.
“I am incredibly proud of the work Age Well is doing” said Age Well Director of Nutrition & Wellness, Chris Moldovan. “Kerry, Michelle, and Laura, our Nutrition and Wellness Coordinators, are dedicated to partnering with community organizations to ensure older Vermonters receive healthy meals and essential services. They also provide access to supplemental foods and vital information about programs such as 3SquaresVT, helping individuals access the resources they need to better manage their health.”
“Chris and her team collaborate with our community partners to ensure food is available especially in those locations that are ‘food deserts.’ This has allowed our clients to obtain the extra support they need to feed themselves without stigma,” added Jane Catton, Age Well Chief Executive Officer.
The 2024 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including advocacy; agency operations; caregiving; community planning and livable communities; diversity, equity and inclusion; economic security; elder abuse prevention; health–social care integration; healthy aging; home and community-based services; housing and homelessness; kinship and grandfamily support; nutrition; technology; social engagement; transportation and mobility; and workforce development and volunteerism.
About USAging
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities.
Award winners are highlighted in the USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards Showcase. For more information, visit usaging.org
About AGE WELL
Age Well is a nonprofit organization that has served Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties since 1974 as a member of Vermont’s Area Agencies on Aging. Age Well provides services and support to allow Older Adults to stay independent, and remain healthy at home, where they want to be. Age Well integrates community resources, health services, and wellness programs to enhance and improve quality of life and reduces barriers by providing access to healthy meals, care, and community resources. Delivered by staff members and 1,000+ volunteers, services are designed to meet the diverse needs of clients, their families, and caregivers. Age Well does not charge for services provided.
To learn more about Age Well visit: agewellvt.org or call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
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