We are measuring the percentage of individuals served who indicate the ability to access and eat healthier foods as a result of the program. The program area is Home Delivered Meals. The Home Delivered Meal program provides nutritious meals to home bound seniors who are unable to care adequately for themselves. The program is designed to assist seniors in meeting their nutritional needs. This indicator is directly aligned with the department's business function to improve the quality of life for older adults and the county's self-sufficiency objective for fewer senior residents to experience hunger. The Department categorizes Home Delivered Meals as an intervention program that helps seniors age in place. Meals are delivered according to a set schedule. All meals are nutritionally balanced and meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans published by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Agriculture and the RDA's established by the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Senior participants have a choice of at least two entrees and dietary supplements such as Ensure or Glucerna, if required. Participants also receive shelf-stable meals 2-3 times per year. Shelf-stable meals contain foods that do not require refrigeration and can be consumed at room temperature.

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