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 East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Cornejo as the new Director of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA). In this role, Cornejo will lead efforts to develop and coordinate services that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across ETCOG’s fourteen-county region. Cornejo brings a strong background in healthcare leadership and military service. He most recently worked as an Account Manager for Humana’s Institutional Special Needs Plan program, where he partnered with skilled nursing facilities to improve care coordination, leading to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions. Earlier in his career, Cornejo served in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and managing budgets exceeding $550 million while leading more than 350 Sailors and Marines. “Adrian’s leadership experience in both healthcare and the military has equipped him with the skills and dedication needed to serve East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His background in building partnerships and his deep commitment to public service make him a tremendous asset to our team.” Cornejo shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “It is an honor to join ETCOG and to serve the seniors of East Texas. My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at the Area Agency on Aging and continue to expand access to services that help older adults and their families live with dignity and independence.” The AAA is administered through ETCOG and is part of a nationwide network created through the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides a wide range of services, including information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education, senior nutrition programs, housing repair, caregiver support, and Ombudsman advocacy for individuals in long-term care facilities. These programs are designed to help older residents remain active and independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner, and with so many plans and choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our certified benefits counselors are here to help—whether you prefer to sit down one-on-one or schedule an educational session for your group or organization. They provide clear, unbiased information about Medicare so you can make informed decisions that fit your needs. These services are free and available to individuals, families, churches, senior centers, civic clubs, and other local groups. If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare coverage, upcoming changes, or available plans, now is the time to reach out. To schedule an appointment or request a group presentation, contact us at 1-800-442-8845 or www.easttexasaaa.org/request-speaker .
