Author: Laykin Smith
Planning Unit: KSU Administration
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
Local Senior Centers, such as the Bath County Senior Citizens Center, serve as a gateway to connect senior adults to vital community services that can help them stay healthy and independent. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, these local facilities were forced to close their doors and serve clients through limited drop-off/pick-up methods. Although the pandemic isn’t over, as more and more Kentuckians are being vaccinated, facilities are opening up and restrictions are being lifted. The Bath County SNAP-Education Program Assistant provided educational information during the closure of the facility to ensure clients were still provided nutrition information. After many long months of solitude, clients were able to gather together and enjoy a nutritious meal under the same roof. Nothing compares to being able to see the smiling faces and shining eyes of those who have been lonely over the past year. SNAP-Ed program assistant resumed in-person classes in June of 2021. Clients were eager for the interaction were very engaged in the lessons. I believe our continued outreach, even on a limited basis during the pandemic, let these seniors know that we are truly there to serve them and that they are important to us. At the request of clients, an exercise regimen is being prepared for the facility to use on a daily basis. Weekly visits will continue throughout the summer and beyond. While the role of the SNAP-Ed program assistant is to provide nutrition education, they often become friends and develop deep relationships with clients. Relationships are what it is truly about.
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