Two programs of the New River Valley Agency on Aging were recently recognized by the state for excellence.
The Agency recently announced its Staples for Seniors program and Fido’s Pantry program won the $5,000 first place Best Practices Award from the Commonwealth Council on Aging.
“The program offers food assistance to homebound seniors, and their cats or dogs, in rural areas,” according to a statement by the Agency on Aging. “The program’s mission is simple: eating should be a choice, not a challenge.”
Since launching the program in 2019, New River Valley Agency on Aging has served 248 seniors with necessary groceries each month. Fido’s Pantry has provided monthly pet food assistance and supplies to 87 of those 248 seniors.
“Staples for Seniors and Fido’s Pantry are meeting critical needs in our community,” said Tina King, executive director of the New River Valley Agency on Aging. “It has been most rewarding to see both programs fostering community spirit and bringing citizens together across our valley, addressing the needs of older adults.”
The Commonwealth Council on Aging advises the Governor on issues affecting the 1.8 million Virginians age 60 and older and acknowledges organizations whose innovative programs can be replicated across the Commonwealth. The council judges nominees on seven criteria, including community impact, potential for replication, innovation, outcomes and promotion of aging in the community.
“Many of the problems facing Virginia’s steadily growing older adult population existed before the pandemic, have continued during it, and will be issues for them after its conclusion,” said Council Best Practices Committee Chair Dr. Richard Lindsay. “Our winning programs addressed many of these problems including malnutrition, dementia care, home maintenance and the training of volunteers to assist in service programs. Congratulations and thanks to all of our winners and program applicants.
Dominion Energy supports the Commonwealth Council on Aging’s Best Practices
Awards, which serve to encourage organizations across the Commonwealth to develop and support programs and services that assist older adults to age in their community. In lieu of in-person recognition ceremonies at this time, the agency will plan a virtual webinar and reception to highlight the 2020 winners.
