GIRARD — The Ohio Department of Aging will award $40,000 to expand the “Producing Healthy Seniors” program in Trumbull and Ashtubula counties.

The grant, part of the governor’s cabinet activities Wednesday in the Valley, will go to Direction Home of Eastern Ohio, which services 720 seniors. DHEO along with its partners, Ashtabula County Community Action Agency and Country Neighbor – Nutrition in Your Neighborhood will deliver fresh, local produce to local senior centers and congregate meal locations within the two counties through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

“Visiting farmers’ markets are often part of Ohio families’ routines in the summer and fall, and this funding ensures that older Ohioans continue to have access to fresh, local produce,” said Gov. Mike DeWine.

The ODA saw the need for programs such as these, because Ohio is the sixth-largest 65-plus population in the nation with 2.8 million people over the age of 60.

In 2018, nearly 35,000 older Ohioans redeemed more than 65,000 cash-based coupons to purchase local produce from 440 local farmers. This is a 20 percent increase since 2013.

“Access to healthy and nutritious food influences life expectancy and health outcomes,” ODA Director Ursel McElroy said. “Since 2001, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program has connected older Ohioans and farmers. We are supporting and expanding healthy eating and being engaged in communities.”

McElroy presented the check to DHEA representatives at the Girard Multi-Generational Center. The center often partners with the DHEA as a congregate meal site.

“We are grateful to Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio’s General Assembly for investing in efforts to enhance proven health and wellness strategies to those older Ohioans who need them the most,” McElroy added.

Team members are still identifying the rotating list of centers and/or congregate meal sites within the counties. These plans are on target to be completed by February 2020, according to Beth Gianforcaro, ODA deputy director of communications and government outreach.

The “Producing Healthy Seniors” projects must support at least two sites within their service areas, including making produce available in non-traditional locations such as senior housing communities, local senior centers, and congregate meal sites. In addition, area agencies will partner with local food advocacy networks and established community partners to provide food and additional services and resources, such as on-site nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, and healthy recipes for participants.

“Initially, the produce distribution site will rotate, with a minimum of one mobile market per week. As the popularity grows and demand increases, additional market locations will be established at more sites and may occur more often throughout the week,” said Gianforcaro.

The Department of Aging announced that a total of 11 organizations statewide will receive $40,000 grants to increase access to healthy, local produce for low-income older Ohioans.