CVCOA Expands Meals on Wheels Services with Therapeutic Meal Training Initiative

CVCOA is enhancing support for its 13 partner meal sites through specialized training in the production of Therapeutic Meals for the Meals on Wheels program. Therapeutic Meals are tailored to meet the dietary needs of older adults managing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and other health concerns, where diet is a key factor in maintaining well-being. 

Currently, meals provided by CVCOA’s 13 partner meal sites feature a variety of specialized dietary options, (i.e. diabetic-friendly, renal diets, low sodium, dairy free) with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist overseeing the creation of these tailored menus to ensure they meet each individual’s nutritional needs. However, not all sites are able to offer every meal type.  The upcoming training being provided by CVCOA will equip all meal sites to expand their offerings and provide every type of meal. 

This important training is made possible through federal funding provided by the Global Commitment Fund, which will allow CVCOA to offer quarterly training sessions in Therapeutic Meal production.  The first session will take place on December 6th at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center and will focus on the preparation of meals for soft food and pureed diets. This training is designed for the cooks who serve the Meals on Wheels programs across Central Vermont’s 54 towns. The morning session will cover the medical basis for soft food and pureed diets, followed by an afternoon of hands-on instruction in the FEAST program’s professional kitchen. Chef Joey Buttendorf will lead the culinary workshop, demonstrating techniques to create nutritious and flavorful meals for these specific dietary needs. 

These ongoing educational opportunities are a vital part of expanding the range of meal options for Vermont’s older adults, ensuring that all Meals on Wheels recipients have access to meals that support their health and dietary needs. 

For more information on CVCOA’s programs and the Therapeutic Meal initiative, please contact Kimberly Lipinski, Director of Nutrition and Wellness at [email protected].