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Tele or Virtual Nutrition Education for Older Adults

Adequate nutrition is critical for the well-being and health of all individuals but is particularly important 

for older adults. Community-based food and nutrition programs are resources for addressing the 

nutritional health of aging adults. Among the most well-known and impactful of these programs are 

senior nutrition programs – which offer services like home delivered meals and congregate nutrition 

services. These services include both home-delivered meals as well as healthy meals served in group 

settings, such as senior centers and faith-based locations. In addition to nutrition education, the 

programs may provide a range of services including nutrition screening, assessment, and counseling. 

Nutrition services also provide an important link to other supportive in-home and community-based 

supports such as homemaker and home-health aide services, transportation, physical activity and 

chronic disease self-management programs, home repair and modification, and falls prevention 

programs.

Nutrition services are authorized under Title III B and C of the Older Americans Act (OAA) and are 

designed to promote the general health and well-being of older individuals, particularly to:

• Reduce hunger, food security and malnutrition,

• Promote socialization, and

• Delay the onset of adverse health conditions.

To support these goals, nutrition education for senior nutrition program participants 

must:

• Meet OAA nutrition program goals

• Be relevant and of interest to the audience

• Support adult learning needs

• Build off previous knowledge of the participants

• Actively involve individuals in determining personal goals

• Focus on behavior modification

• Be achievable or able to be implemented

• Include contact with health or nutrition professionals

• Be presented in shortsessions

• Include hands-on activities

• Have an evaluation component that allows for both process and outcome measures to be 

tracked

Because older adults have nutrient needs different than younger adults, increased risk for nutritionrelated conditions, documented chronic conditions that may be managed in part by nutrition 

interventions and varying levels of nutrition knowledge, nutrition education is valuable for assisting 

older adults maintain their health. The Process Evaluation of Older Americans Act Title III-C Nutrition 

Services Program found that 98% of Area Agencies on Aging offer nutrition education through a variety 

of methods (directly by the Area Agency on Aging, through a contract between the Area Agency on 

Aging and another organization, or through a grant provided by the Area Agency on Aging to another 

organization). Findings from a recent national survey of nutrition educators involved in the congregate 

~ The National 

~ Resource Center on 

Nutrition & Aging 
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nutrition and home-delivered meal programs suggests that knowledge of and use of free and low-cost 

nutrition education materials for older adults is limited.1

Use of Technology by Older Adults

Older adults use technology at a lower rate than the general population. Individual characteristics such 

as age, education level, socio-economic, health, disability status and perception of technology—all 

influence availability, access, and use. Other factors include rate of innovation, quality of the 

interactions between older adults and technology, and individual knowledge about aging. Rural with 

limited internet may also limit access. These factors may need to be addressed before older adults are 

able to use technology-based interventions. Training programs have been developed to address some of 

these issues. Due to lower income, some older adults may not have devices or access to new 

technology. It might be useful for programs to review the factors and learn about technology availability 

and access prior to implementing new programs using technology with older adults. 2

The Need for Tele or Virtual Nutrition Education Programming

Many senior nutrition programs leverage technological solutions to provide nutrition education. Access 

to virtual programming remains a critical need especially during times of restricted attendance at inperson gatherings (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, emergency situations, etc.) and also allows those who 

may be unable to attend in-person education on an ongoing or fluctuating basis (due to health 

concerns, functional limitations, inclement weather, homebound status, and limited transportation) to 

participate. As such, it is important that senior nutrition programs are aware of how best to incorporate

in-person nutrition education to a virtual setting and understands the variety of nutrition education 

resources available for older adults. 

The purpose of this brief is to curate available resources to support the provision of credible tele or 

virtual nutrition education for community-residing older adults, which has been overseen by a 

registered dietitian or person of similar expertise.

What does offering tele or virtual nutrition education resources mean? It means providing nutrition 

education via a mechanism that is not in-person. It means using methodologies and devices that range 

from the in-person telephone conversations to on-line computer sessions.

1 Riccardo, C. (2018). Nutrition education for older adults in congregate and home delivered meal sites: What is 

taught, what do we know, and where do we go? Available 

at https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/be3d/a1effcd708a4b91f3d22cf04eb106f0de4bc.pdf.

2 Brown, L.E. and Strommen, J. (2019). Training younger volunteers to promote technology use among older adults. 

Available at https://sdsu.app.box.com/s/4bciiodwx6n3wllhqqzjskabxka3014z.
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The first step in offering tele or virtual nutrition education is to assess your organization and clients. 

Explore what using either tele or virtual might mean by considering the following: 

1. Clarify what tele or virtual means for your organization – does it mean delivering educational 

sessions by telephone, online or a combination of both? Will you create these sessions, or will 

you leverage available online resources? Do your staff have the training necessary for 

meaningful telephone or online interactions?

2. Consider the devices and technology access of the seniors you serve. What do they have access 

to? Do they have access to landline or cell telephones, problems with cell phone reception, 

cable television, computer hardware (such as tablets, desktop computers, laptops) and highquality internet service? What can your seniors afford? Do your seniors have the training, or 

can they access the training needed to use these resources? Is technical assistance and 

support available if there are difficulties?

Under the Major Disaster Declaration (MDD) and the COVID-19 Coronavirus Aid Relief and 

Economic Security Act (CARES), states may allow organizations to purchase technology and 

support. However, these monies are limited, so there is a role for continuing community 

partnerships. Some local philanthropic or civic organizations or businesses may donate or 

provide other support.

3. What resources are available for your organization’s staff? Does the organization need to 

upgrade their systems, equipment, technical support, or access help for trouble shooting? Does 

the staff have ongoing technical support? Does the staff need additional training? 

4. Provide detailed instructions to all participants so that they understand how to access the 

sessions and use the technology.

Resources for Participation in Tele or Virtual Learning

• Equipment 

o Computer, tablet, smartphone, landline telephone, television

• Internet access

o At home

o Complimentary free ‘Wi-Fi’

• Platform

o Most are free but users need to be mindful of privacy requirements of each 

platform

• Instructions

o Sent to clients via email, regular mail, delivered with meals, or offered verbally 

by phone
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5. Emphasize the dual role of tele or virtual nutrition education – tele or virtual sessions provide 

an opportunity for social support, networking and important education which all have a 

positive impact on health and well-being. 

6. Know your audience, know your seniors. Learning is a continuum. Adult learners are different 

than learners who are children. Adult learners are often self-directed, bring their life 

experiences and knowledge to a situation, are goal oriented and so want information that is 

relevant and practical. Older adults respond to different learning methods, information, 

practices. Some older adults gravitate to fun activities. Others are interested in life-long 

learning opportunities. For some, story sharing, emotional context, self-efficacy, or tips for 

changing behavior are important. For others, new facts in context are important, so they can 

relate it to their life experience. Whatever method is chosen, the information and application 

activities need to be engaging.

7. Keep it simple – make sure participants are clear about the focus for each tele or virtual 

session. Provide or reiterate learning objectives in a client-focused way so the clients are clear 

on the benefits of the session.

8. Check in early and often with clients to evaluate what they are learning, their satisfaction with 

the tele or virtual format and ways in which the educational session can be improved.

9. Promote engagement and platforms that facilitate the opportunity to see and interact with all 

participants so that they are connected to the session leader and fellow session attendees.

Different Approaches to Tele or Virtual

There are several ways to provide nutrition education offerings in a tele or virtual setting, for example:

Computer-free methods

• Telephone: individual or group

• Public television, Local cable station, residential housing TV broadcast

• Mail (handouts, newsletters, instructions)

Computer methods

• Email

• Video call using a smart phone and the video application, individual or group

• Video public, such as a You Tube or Vimeo video cooking demonstration that would be 

available on several devices such as a computer, tablet, or smart phone

Examples of video platforms (for video call or video public) your organization can use to go virtual 

include the following:

• Zoom https://zoom.us/

• Facebook Live or Messenger Video Chat https://www.messenger.com/

• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/

• Apple FaceTime https://support.apple.com/

• Google Hangout Video https://hangouts.google.com/

• Whatsapp Video Chat https://www.whatsapp.com/
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• Skype https://www.skype.com/en/

• Telehealth platforms such as Healthie, or Simple Practice

Resources to Help Your Organization Offer Virtual Nutrition Education

Interacting with Remote Audiences

Topic: Promoting Technology with Older Adults

Organization: South Dakota University, North Dakota University

Website: https://sdsu.app.box.com/s/4bciiodwx6n3wllhqqzjskabxka3014z

Topic: Reaching a Remote Audience

Organization: National Council on Aging

Website: https://d2mkcg26uvg1cz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/Tools-for-Reaching-a-RemoteAudience.pdf

Topic: Virtual event polling and quizzes 

Organization: Slido

Website: https://www.sli.do/

Organization: National Resource Center on Engaging Older Adults

Topic: Capacity Building for Remote Programming During COVID-19

Website: https://www.engagingolderadults.org/engaged-webinar-capacity-building-for-remoteprogramming-during-covid19

Technology Focused Educational Resources for Older Adults

Organization: Senior Planet

Topic: Tech Basics

Website: https://seniorplanet.org/coronavirus-2/

Organization: AARP

Topic: Technology Workshops

Website: https://learn.aarp.org/

Technology Vendors for Organizations 

Organization: Tech Soup

Topic: Providing non-profits access to needed technology

Website: https://www.techsoup.org/

Virtual Training Courses for Older Adults

Organization: Self Help Community Services Inc

Topic: Virtual Senior Center

Website: http://vscm.selfhelp.net/service
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Organization: Mather Lifeways

Topic: Telephone based learning

Website: https://www.mather.com/neighborhood-programs/telephone-topics

Organization: DOROT

Topic: Online learning for older adults

Website: https://www.dorotusa.org/our-programs/at-home/university-without-walls

Nutrition Education Resources Applicable for Older Adult Populations

Go4Life

Agency: National Institute on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services 

(DHHS)

Website: https://go4life.nia.nih.gov/

Overview: Go4Life, an exercise and physical activity campaign, is designed to help include 

exercise and physical activity into a daily routine.

Resources:

• Go4Life Month toolkit

• Infographics/Posters

• Exercise Guides

• Age Pages Brochures

• Speaker Toolkit

Healthy Eating

Agency: National Institute on Aging, DHHS

Website: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-eating

Overview: Articles and resources that include smart food choices, shopping for healthy 

food on a budget, and vitamins and minerals needs for older people. Limited 

downloadable materials.

Resources:

• Articles on current healthy eating topics

• Infographics

Nutrition.gov

Agency: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

Website: https://www.nutrition.gov/subject/life-stages/seniors

Overview: Nutrition.gov serves as a gateway to reliable resources on food, healthy eating, 

physical activity, and food safety. Links to information from Federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and universities with expertise in food and human nutrition. 

Information is arranged by audience and topic. Website also includes a Frequently Asked 

Question section. The site is updated regularly by a staff of Registered Dietitians at the 

Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) located at the National Agricultural Library 

(NAL).

Resources:

• Online links to browse by subjects that include audience (Older Adults), basic 

nutrition, diet and health conditions, dietary supplement, food assistance 
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programs, health weight, shopping, cooking, and foodsafety.

• Educational materials, videos, tool kits

• Spanish materials included

Food and Nutrition Information Center-National Agriculture Library

Agency: USDA

Website: https://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/older-individuals

Overview: Under Lifecycle Nutrition resources for older adults which include healthy 

eating, nutritional challenges related to aging, food safety issues, Meals on Wheels,

and other assistance programs.

Resources:

• Comprehensive list of Federal and State online resources

• A variety of nutrition and health related topics

• Educational materials, videos, tool kits

• Spanish materials included

Choose MyPlate.gov

Agency: USDA 

Website: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/

Overview: MyPlate illustrates the five food groups which are the building blocks for a 

healthy diet. Topics also included are food waste, food safety, and physical activity. 

Excellent information for older adults included on the site.

Resources:

• Tip sheets

• Toolkits

• Print materials/videos

• Seasonal resources

• Quizzes

• Infographics

• MyPlate graphics

• Spanish materials included

MyPlate for Older Adults

Organization: The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging 

(HNRCA), Tufts University

Website: https://hnrca.tufts.edu/myplate/

Overview: MyPlate for Older Adults provides examples of foods that support a healthy 

diet. MyPlate for Older Adults corresponds with the federal government’s 2015-2020 

Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Resources:

• MyPlate of Older Adults PDF Printable
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Foodsafety.gov

Agency: USDA 

Website: https://www.foodsafety.gov/

Overview: Federal food safety information including the latest news, alerts, and tips on 

safely handling and storing food to prevent food poisoning.

Resources:

• FoodKeeper App: Tool for Smart Food Storage

• Kitchen safety tips

• Holiday food safety

• Food recalls information

Eat Healthy, Be Active Community Workshops

Agency: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), (DHHS)

Website: https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/workshops/

Overview: The Eat Healthy, Be Active community workshops are based on the Dietary 

Guidelines for Americans and the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The 

workshops are used by community educators, health promoters, dietitians/nutritionists, 

cooperative extension agents, and others to teach adults in a wide variety of community 

settings.

Resources:

• Six 1-hour workshops include a lesson plan, learning objectives,talking points, 

hands-on activities, videos, and handouts

• Spanish version available

SNAP-Ed Connection

Agency: Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), USDA

Website: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/snap-ed-works/nutrition-education

Overview: SNAP-Ed teaches people to shop for and cook healthy meals. Materials help 

people learn how to make their food dollars stretch. SNAP-Ed Connection provides many 

hands-on educational lessons and materials.

Resources:

• Nutrition education curricula

• Nutrition education material

• Spanish material included

• Heathy and thrifty holiday menus

• Seasonal produce guide

• Success stories

• SNAP-Ed Library

• Recipes

• Photo gallery

• Farmers Markets materials

• Cooking demonstrations

• Cooking Matters Toolkit
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Eat Smart Live Strong

Agency: Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), USDA

Website: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-education/fns-curricula/eat- smartlive-strong

Overview: Eat Smart, Live Strong is an intervention designed to improve fruit and 

vegetable consumption and physical activity among individuals, 60-74-year-old.

Resources:

• Four session activity kit

• Promotional materials

Dinner Tonight

Agency: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Website: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/dinner-tonight

Overview: The Dinner Tonight program was developed to provide quick, healthy, cost 

effective recipes and meals.

Resources:

• Weekly video demonstrations on cooking tips and techniques, nutrition topics, 

menu planning basics and information on healthy living

• Weekly newsletter

National Health Observances

Agency: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), DHHS

Website: http://www.healthfinder.gov/nho/default.aspx

Overview: National Health Observances (NHOs) are special days, weeks, or months 

dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. The NHO calendar provides 

links to organizations sponsoring NHOs and email contacts for more information and to 

access materials that support awareness efforts.

Examples:

• February-American Heart Month

• June-National Safety Month

• September-Fruits & Veggie-More Matters Month

• November-American Diabetes Month

Food Demonstration Guide Agency: 

Arizona Nutrition Network

Website: https://www.azhealthzone.org/uploads/media/documents/fooddemonstration-guide-2019.pdf

Overview: Created for those who provide food demonstrations. It contains information, 

advice, and resources for planning and executing a successful food demonstration.

Resources:

• Types of food demonstrations

• Keys to a successful food demonstration
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• How to conduct a food demonstration

• Acquiring foods and facilities

• Sanitation and food safety

• Fruit and vegetable guide

• Food Demonstration Evaluation Tool

Food Labeling, Nutrition, Food Safety, Dietary Supplements

Agency: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), DHHS

Website: https://www.fda.gov/food/resources-you-food/cfsan-education-resource-library

Overview: The website provides information on food safety, foodborne illness, food labeling, dietary 

supplements, food choices. Some publications are in English, Spanish, and other languages. Print 

materials may be ordered free or at low-cost from https://epublication.fda.gov/epub/

Resources: 

• Industry and consumer resources

• Infographics on food safety

• Conversations with food experts

• Information for consumers, food industry, health educators, health professionals

• Food safety information for older adults, https://www.fda.gov/media/83744/download

New Food Labeling

Agency: FDA, CFSAN, DHHS

Website: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/changes-nutrition-facts-label

Overview: The website provides information on the new food labeling requirements.

Resources:

• Food industry and consumer resources and materials

• New and improved nutrition factslabel information

• Nutrition labeling Information for restaurants and retail

• Gluten-Free Labeling

• Spanish materials

• Nutrition education materials and resources for consumers, health educators, health care 

professionals 

o Social Media Kit

o What’s New

o Serving Size

o Calories

o Percent Daily Value

o Added Sugars

o Folic Acid

o Using the Nutrition Facts Label and MyPlate to Make Healthier Choices

o How to Understand and Use

o Using the Nutrition Facts Label for Older Adults, https://www.fda.gov/food/newnutrition-facts-label/using-nutrition-facts-label-older-adults
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Fresh Conversations

Agency: Iowa Department of Public Health

Website: https://idph.iowa.gov/inn/fresh-conversations

Overview: A nutrition education program designed to support healthy aging and 

independence, with a focus on OAA congregate nutrition site participants. Developed in 

Iowa, participants gather in communities to discuss current nutrition and health topics, 

taste low-cost healthy recipes, and discover new ways to stay active and independent.

Resources:

• Training material

• Promotional materials

• External websites for additional resources

Stay Independent: A Healthy Aging Series

Agency: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Service

Website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/stay-independent

Overview: A nutrition education program designed to help older adults set realistic goals for eating well 

and moving more. Developed by the Iowa State University Extension Service, there is a series of 

workshops designed for 60-90 minutes. The workshops encourage an exchange of ideas and include 

healthy recipes.

Resources:

• 4 videos, emphasizing three meals a day, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, consuming 

adequate protein, and exercise for independence

• Websites for additional materials

Words on Wellness

Agency: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Service

Website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/wellness

Overview: A monthly newsletter targeted at families that include information on nutrition, food, food 

safety, and health. Newsletters include healthy recipes.

Resources:

• Downloadable color two-page newsletters

Seniors Eating Well

Agency: University of Minnesota Extension

Website: https://extension.umn.edu/customized-education/seniors-eating-well

Overview: A nutrition education program that teaches adults age 50 and older about nutrition, physical 

activity, and other aspects of health living. There are nine lessons of about 45 minutes each. These are 

designed to be provided in senior centers, community centers, and housing. Materials may be obtained 

from the SNAP-Ed Team within Minnesota.

Resources:

Nutrition education materials designed for other age groups

External websites for additional materials
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National Institute of Health (NIH), DHHS

Agency: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK)

Website: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weightmanagement/healthy-eating-physical-activity-for-life/health-tips-forolder-adults

Overview: Information provided is part of the Healthy Eating & Physical Activity 

for Life Series.

Resources:

• Healthy Weight

• Healthy Eating

• Healthy Eating Tips

• Physical Activity

National institute of Health (NIH), DHHS

Agency: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK)

Website: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information

Overview: Information on health conditions for consumers

Resources:

• Weight management

• Diabetes

• Diet and nutrition

EatRight

Organization: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 

Website: https://www.eatright.org/food

Overview: Includes nutrition and health information for older adults. 

Resources:

• Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate

• Vegetarian and Special Diets

• Healthy Eating

• Preventing Illness

• Food safety 

• Recipes, cooking tips and trends

• Smart shopping, snack, and meal ideas
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Training Resources to Support Virtual Programming: Recorded Webinars and Podcasts

There are many recorded trainings available for senior nutrition program professions seeking to refresh 

their knowledge on available nutrition resources and on techniques for offering virtual nutrition 

education. 

• Toolkit: Nutrition Education in Congregate and Home Delivered Meals Program Setting – Part 1

https://nutritionandaging.org/toolkit-nutrition-education-in-congregate-and-home-deliveredmeal-program-settings-part-1-what-do-we-know/

• Toolkit: Nutrition Education in Congregate and Home Delivered Meals Program Setting – Part 2

https://nutritionandaging.org/toolkit-nutrition-education-in-congregate-and-home-deliveredmeal-program-settings-part-2-where-do-we-go/

• Tools for Reaching a Remote Audience: Webinar and Tips

https://www.ncoa.org/resources/tools-for-reaching-a-remote-audience-webinar-tips/

• Addressing Social Isolation for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Crisis 

http://www.advancingstates.org/sites/nasuad/files/u24453/Social%20Isolation%20Response%2

0final.pdf

• Events and Program Ideas to Target Social Isolation Among Clients 

https://nutritionandaging.org/events-program-ideas-to-target-social-isolation-among-clients/

• Toolkit: Make Your Mark on the Congregate Nutrition Program 

https://nutritionandaging.org/toolkit-making-your-mark-on-the-congregate-nutrition-program/

For Additional Reading 

• Eight Steps for a Smoother Transition to Online Learning. Available at: 

https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/eight-steps-for-a-smoother-transitionto-online-teaching/. Accessed on: May 15, 2020.

• Opportunities for telehealth of nutritionists and registered dietitians. Available at: 

https://www.eatrightpro.org/practice/practice-resources/telehealth/practicing-telehealth. 

Accessed on: May 15, 2020.
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Summary of Nutrition Education Programs Targeted at Older Adults

Virtual nutrition education is a way to connect with older adults and provide this vital nutrition service outside of face-to-face settings. There are many nutrition 

education resources online that you can use to provide services virtually! Here are some examples of existing resources.

Program Name Website/Contact Description Delivered 

By

Title III-D 

Approved

?

Tailored 

for Older 

Adults?

Key Words

Start Simple with MyPlate: 

Food Planning During the 

Coronavirus Pandemic

https://www.choosemyplate.gov/

coronavirus

Includes a 2-page downloadable PDF handout, 

sample 2-week menus, MyPlate plan tool. Can 

be tailored for older adults.

USDA No No; can be 

modified

• MyPlate

• Food Planning

• Pandemic

Using the Nutrition Facts 

Label: For Older Adults

https://www.fda.gov/food/newnutrition-facts-label/usingnutrition-facts-label-older-adults

Includes an 8-page downloadable PDF 

handout and information on how to read a 

label. 

FDA No Yes • Food label

• Nutrition facts label

• Nutrient needs

NCOA Healthy Eating Tips 

for Seniors

https://www.ncoa.org/economicsecurity/benefits/food-andnutrition/senior-nutrition/

Includes a variety of healthy eating videos and 

visually appealing infographics to complement 

education.

NCOA No Yes • Healthy eating

• Eating Well

• Eating on a budget

NIA Exercise and Physical 

Activity (formerly Go4Life)

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/e

xercise-physical-activity

Includes educational articles, physical activity 

tracking tools and a Walking Club toolkit

NIH No Yes • Exercise

• Physical activity

• Walking

Go4Life Videos https://www.youtube.com/playlis

t?list=PLCCD15A44D95DBCDF

Includes five short exercise videos specifically 

tailored for older adults.

NIH No Yes • Exercise

• Physical activity

FDA Food Safety for Older 

Adults

https://www.fda.gov/food/peopl

e-risk-foodborne-illness/foodsafety-older-adults

Includes a downloadable PDF guide and 

covers multiple foods safety topics.

USDA No Yes • Food safety

• Food storage

• Foodborne illness

Fresh Conversations https://idph.iowa.gov/inn/freshconversations/coordinators/traini

ng-materials

Includes training videos and PDFs. Program 

can be implemented virtually with guidance & 

permission from the Iowa Dept. of Public 

Health.

Iowa Dept. 

of Public 

Health

No Yes • Healthy eating

• SNAP-Ed

• Eating on a Budget

Eat Smart, Live Strong https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutri

tion-education/fns-curricula/eatsmart-live-strong

Designed to improve fruit and vegetable 

consumption & physical activity. Includes PDF 

guides and handouts for 4 lessons.

USDA No Yes • Healthy eating

• Fruits & vegetables

• Physical activity

Cooking Matters http://cookingmatters.org/tips Includes videos and educational articles to 

promote cooking. Can be tailored for older 

adults.

Cooking 

Matters

No No; can be 

modified

• Cooking

• Healthy eating

• Eating on a budget

Eat Smart, Move More, 

Weigh Less

https://esmmweighless.com/ An evidence-based program designed to 

engage older adults in adopting evidencebased strategies necessary for achieving a 

healthy weight.

NC State 

University

Yes Yes • Weight 

Management

• Healthy Eating

• Physical Activity
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Healthy Eating for Successful 

Living in Older Adults

https://healthyliving4me.org/pro

grams/

A program for older adults about nutrition and 

lifestyle changes to promote better health. 

Based on the USDA MyPlate, components 

include: goal setting, problem solving, group 

support, nutrition education, self-assessment,

and management of dietary patterns. Lay 

leaders, 6-sessions, dietitian support needed to 

implement.

The 

Healthy 

Living 

Center of 

Excellence

No Yes • Healthy eating

• Exercise

• Grocery Store 

• Meal Preparation
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APPENDIX

Nutrition Education Program Template

This is one possible format for planning a nutrition education session.

Lesson Plan Title: 

Objective:

Provide one or two behavioral/measurable outcomes

Lesson Plan:

Content Instructional Strategy

PowerPoint

Lecture

Group discussion

Handouts

Video

Learning Activity

Cooking Demonstration

Time Frame

Estimate of minutes

Keep session short 

and to the topic.

Overview:

What is to be presented?

1 minute

Topic:

Why is it important?

How is it implemented?

8 minutes

Summary and Takeaways:

What behavioral changes can

be made?

3 minutes

Evaluation: Printed

Multiple choice or Likert 

Scale Comment Box

Other topics of interest

2 minutes
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Nutrition Education Evaluation Template

This is one possible format for gathering information from the audience to determine whether the 

nutrition education session was meaningful.

1. Wasthe information presentedofinterestto you? YES OR NO

2. Are youable to implement any ofthe tips presented? YES OR NO

3. If yes, what tip can you implement into your daily routine? 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________ 

4. Whatother nutritioninformationwouldyoube interested?

______________________________________________________________________ 

 ______________________________________________________________________ 

 ______________________________________________________________________