Now Seeking Vendors to Help Feed Our Seniors
East Texas Council of Governments and Area Agency on Aging • June 30, 2020
The East Texas Council of Governments(ETCOG) and the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) are seeking vendors to provide meals to East Texas seniors through its Senior Nutrition Program. The purpose of this Request for Proposals(RFP) is to establish multiple providers and suppliers for the Senior Nutrition Program to provide nutritious hot lunchtime meals, deliver frozen and/or shelf stable meals and meal site supplies and products to our designated locations in the identified counties of Camp, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rains and Wood to serve individuals who are sixty (60) years of age or older, or spouses/caregivers. Meals are delivered to homebound clients by paid staff and volunteers. The AAA may elect to award more than one contract per service area for the delivery of hot lunchtime meals, frozen meals and/or supplier of products.
The AAA is an organizational and operational division of the ETCOG and authorized to provide services to the senior population and recipients of Medicare of the 14 counties in the East Texas region. The AAA actively works to improve the quality of life of the region’s senior population, those 60 and above and to Medicare/Medicaid recipients needing benefits counseling. This is accomplished through the various programs operated through the agency which include nutrition; information, referral, and assistance; ombudsman; case management and advocacy; benefits counseling; residential repair; and caregiver in-home institutional services; transportation, and caregiver support. The AAA’s primary focus is to help the elderly maintain their health and independence and remain in their homes and communities with dignity and respect for as long as possible.
The Older Americans Act, as amended, provides funds for nutrition services for persons sixty (60) years of age and older. Hot, nutritious meals provided, at a congregate site, five days a week, except with an approved waiver from the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and with home-delivered meals available to those who are not physically able to attend the meal site. Congregate meals are funded under provisions of the Older Americans Act, Title III, Section C.1. Home-delivered meals are funded under the Older Americans Act, Title III, Section C.2, Title XIX of the Social Security Waiver and Title XX of the Social Security Act.
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
