UPDATING YOUR PROGRAMMING TO ATTRACT BABY 

BOOMERS: PRACTICE MODELS FOR STATE AND LOCAL 

NUTRITION PROFESSIONALS

July 16, 2018

State Unit on Aging Nutrition Professionals 

Discussion Webinar
RURAL AND URBAN CENTERS FOR BABY BOOMERS IN 

NEBRASKA

ERIK WHITE MS RD LMNT

July 16th, 2018
BIOGRAPHY

• Born in Lincoln Nebraska.

• Graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with Bachelors/Masters.

• Completed Dietetic Internship at Texas State University- San Marcos.

• Currently lives in Lincoln with his wife Jenna who is a Social Worker and Case Manager for the

Lincoln Area Agency on Aging (Aging Partners).

• Has a Calico Cat named Kitty and sells his own sauce recipe at local farmers markets.
NEBRASKA DEMOGRAPHICS

• Agricultural State!

• 15.4% of pop. is age 65+ (total pop. 1.9 million)

• Changing Demographic- rural vs. urban

• 1870- less than 200,000 urban residents, 2010- 1,200,000!

• 1870- less than 200,000 rural residents, pop. Peaked in 1940 

800,000, 2010- less than 600,000

• 42 counties in NE have more deaths than births!!

• In Nebraska, 65+ pop. expected to grow by 75% from 2012-2030

• Projected- 8

th highest percentage of older adults age 85 and older 

in the nation
CONTINUED...

• In the U.S., 21.6% (35 million) of those 65+ live in rural community.

• Rural communities lack

• Adult Day Care

• Respite services

• Long-term care facilities

• Medical Facilities

• Specialty care 

• Transportation

• In-home care

• Healthcare professionals- Need incentive programs to entice young 

professionals to rural areas.
THOUGHT STARTER DISCUSSION QUESTION

• What is the most challenging issue you face in attracting baby 

boomers to congregate meal sites in you state/county/service 

area?
TRADITIONAL CENTERS
UPDATES AND NEW ADDITIONS
CONTINUED...
#1 POLL QUESTION
NEW METHODS
GROCERY STORES/RESTAURANTS 

• Funding: Private Corporate Funding, AAA reimbursement, 

Suggested Voluntary Contributions

• Programs/Requirements: Catering services, Deli/Kitchen 

locations for potential congregate services. Area Agencies on 

Aging, along with OAA regulations establish programming with 

stores as well as price negotiations. AAA submits proposal to 

store, develops agreement 

• Food Safety: Follow Nebraska Food Code/Lincoln Food Code 

for Lancaster County only

• Fees: Negotiated reimbursement with AAA. Suggested 

Contribution for clients

• *Hy-Vee is currently being used by two AAA’s in Nebraska 
GRAND ISLAND MEAL VOUCHER PROGRAM

• Meal Voucher program at Hy-Vee

• Hy-Vee Dietitian designs and approves of menu’s 

for voucher program. Currently there is also an 

option for a protein based soup and salad bar 

option as well 

• RD can monitor serving sizes and can provide 

education to clients. Currently RD provides oneon-one counseling as well as store tours focusing 

on Diabetes, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

• Hy-Vee vouchers can be used for both lunch or 

dinner

• Hy-Vee kitchen also delivers catered meal to 

Cairo NE, Senior Center 
COMMERCIAL KITCHENS/FOOD SERVICE COMPANIES

• Funding: Corporate and Private funding Also Suggested 

Contributions

• Programs/Requirements: Family and Patient Meals/Corporate 

Vending/Congregate and HDM 

• Food Safety: Kitchens should be USDA inspected and follow 

Nebraska Food Code/Lincoln Food Code for Lancaster County 

only

• Fees: Negotiated reimbursement with AAA. Suggested 

Contribution for clients

• *Treat America (Company Kitchen) is currently serving for the 

Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging in Omaha.
ALTERNATE HOME DELIVERED MEAL OPTIONS

• Funding: Private and some government 

reimbursement. Possible eligible individuals can 

contact their local AAA or the Social Security 

Administration. 

• Programs/Requirements: Serve meals to Healthcare 

Organization, Individuals and Caregivers. AAA’s can 

use these meals as Home-Delivered Meals if the client 

can heat the meal.

• Food Safety: Kitchens are USDA inspected for quality 

and safety, custom designed delivery coolers are 

continually monitored to ensure proper temps 

throughout transit. Propriety packaging allows for safe 

keeping of meals in fridge for 14 days from delivery. 

• Fees: Mom’s Meals available in quantities of 7, 10, 14 

or 21, meals are affordable at only $6.99/meal

($7.99 for Pureed)* commitments. Sun Meadow 

charges $7.00-$8.00 per meal.

• *Mom’s Meals is currently being used in Nebraska.

• *Sun Meadow is currently serving a small number of 

individuals in Omaha. 
ADVERTISING, EVENTS AND ENTICEMENTS

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Webpages

• Magazines, New letters, Monthly Papers

• Education Outreach Breakfasts/Events

• Annual walks to promote healthier lifestyles

• Increased use of retail meals for clients to take away 

(convenience)

• Continued offerings of Title III-D fitness classes at centers 

including Tai Chi and offering up to date fitness equipment
REFERENCES

• Nebraska Department of Economic Development [NDED] (2015). Population. Retrieved from 

http://www.neded.org/business/data-a-research/population

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2018). Nebraska Population Aging, Shifting East Retrieved from 

https://sdn.unl.edu/deicher

• U.S. Census Bureau. (2014). The Baby Boom Cohort in the United States: 2012 to 2060. Retrieved 

from https://www.census.gov/prod/2014pubs/p25-1141.pdf

• U.S Census Bureau. (2017). QuickFacts Nebraska. Retrieved from 

https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/ne
QUESTIONS?
ONONDAGA COUNTY OFFICE FOR AGING

Director of Senior Nutrition Services

MARIA MAHAR MA RD CDN
ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK

• Onondaga County is in the central portion of New York 

State. 

• As of 2010, 468,000 people lived in Onondaga County, 14% 

were 65 years of age or older.

• In 2017, Office for Aging served 8,740 seniors (60+)

– Total served = 3,178 ( < 74 yr. old) = 36%

– Nutrition served = 2, 045 ( < 74 yr. old)= 30%
~ The National Resource Center on Nutrition & Aging 

SENIOR NUTRITION DAYS AT THE MARKET

Senior Dining Site at the 

Farmers Market.

• Average attendance = 125

• 60-72 = 42%

• Minority = 33%

• Menus consists of produce 

purchased from farmers who are 

selling at the market that day.

Example of Menu

• Gold Sauce Glazed Pork Cutlet

• Hinderwadel’s Creamer Potatoes

• Summer Squash & Red Bell 

Peppers

• Strawberry Ice Cream

Senior Nutrition Days at the Market

A Nutrition Dining Site for Seniors at The CNY Regional Market! 

Collaboration between the CNY Regional Market and the Onondaga County Department

of Aging

Dates: June 28*

July 12

July 26

August 9

Time: 11 AM—1 PM

Location: Shed “E”

CNY Regional Market

2100 Park Street

*The City of Syracuse Stan Colella All-Star Band plays 

from 11 am to Noon on June 28 and August 9
FLAVOR & THE MENU
FLAVOR & THE MENU

Strategies And Solutions for Menu Development to attract Baby 

Boomers

1. More modern style of eating (ex: Greek Bowl)

2. More Ethnic Foods (ex: Tabouli)

3. Vegetarian Options (ex: Veggie Burger, Pasta Primavera)

4. Ancient Grains (ex: bulgur, farro, quinoa)

5. Unique Condiments (ex: fruit salsa, chipotle mayo)

6. Seasonal Menu (ex: more fresh produce in summer months)

7. Choice Menu (ex: clients can choose from entrée A or B)

HOME DELIVERED MEAL MENU
FLAVOR & THE MENU

Meals on Wheels Fall/Winter Cycle Menu: Week 1

HOME DELIVERED MEAL MENU

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Hot Hot Hot Hot Hot

ENTRÉE A

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom 

Gravy

ENTRÉE A

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

ENTRÉE A

Baked Ziti

ENTRÉE A

Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

ENTRÉE A

Crispy Fish Fillet with Homemade 

Tartar Sauce

ENTRÉE B

Cheesy Stuffed Peppers

ENTRÉE B

Breaded Veal Cutlet with Brown 

Sauce

ENTRÉE B

Chicken Patty Sandwich with 

Cranberry Mayonnaise

ENTRÉE B

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

ENTRÉE B

Caramelized Onion Tart

SIDE

Egg Noodles

SIDE

Seasoned Potatoes

SIDE

Green Beans

SIDE

California Blend Vegetables

SIDE

Classic Mixed Vegetables

SIDE

Lemon Glazed Carrots

SIDE

Winter Blend Vegetables

SIDE

Escalloped Apples

SIDE

Blueberry Cobbler

SIDE

Butternut Squash Wedges

Cold Cold Cold Cold Cold

ENTRÉE A

Grilled Chicken on Whole Wheat 

Flatbread Sandwich

ENTRÉE A

Ham and Provolone on a Kaiser Roll 

with Honey Mustard

ENTRÉE A

Egg and Olive on Indian Naan Bread

ENTRÉE A

Turkey on Rye with Russian Dressing

ENTRÉE A

Crab Salad on a Kaiser

ENTRÉE B

Cheese Sandwich on Wheat Bread

ENTRÉE B

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

ENTRÉE B

Roasted Red Pepper Pinwheel

ENTRÉE B

Peppered Tomato on White Bread 

Sandwich

ENTRÉE B

Bologna Sandwich on Wheat Bread 

with Mustard

SIDE

Black Bean and Corn Salad

SIDE

Beet Salad

SIDE

Tangy Carrot Salad

SIDE

Confetti Coleslaw

SIDE

Crispy Broccoli Salad

SIDE

Chocolate Pudding Oreo Parfait

SIDE

Pineapple Tidbits

SIDE

Banana

SIDE

Plump Peaches

SIDE

Fruit Cocktail

Milk or Juice as Needed Milk or Juice as Needed Milk or Juice as Needed Milk or Juice as Needed Milk or Juice as Needed
FLAVOR & THE MENU

Difficulties with Menu Development to attract Baby Boomers

1. Cost 

2. Having a menu that appeals to both baby boomers and the WWII 

and post-war generations

3. Revising the menu to meet the most current Dietary Guidelines

4. Finding the balance between healthier foods and less healthy 

requests from clients (ex: desserts)

5. Competition (ex: Mom's Meals)

HOME DELIVERED MEALS
SPECIAL EVENTS

To celebrate National Nutrition 

Month®, the Onondaga County 

Office for Aging holds an annual 

Nutrition & Health Expo for 

Seniors. This event includes 

health screenings, breakfast, 

nutrition education, community 

resources, and exercise classes. 

The 2018 event set an attendance 

record of 474 seniors, many of 

them are boomers.

NUTRITION AND HEALTH EXPO FOR SENIORS
SPECIAL EVENTS

Event Objectives

• Promote National Nutrition Month® and the expertise of RDs and DTRs 

• Increase health awareness and disease prevention for seniors by providing 

health screenings, educational information, and related activities

• Increase awareness of community services for seniors

Historical Data

NUTRITION AND HEALTH EXPO FOR SENIORS

Year # Attendees # Exhibitors

2015 78 12

2016 301 27

2017 276 36

2018 474 56
SPECIAL EVENTS

NUTRITION AND HEALTH EXPO FOR SENIORS
SPECIAL EVENTS

“I’m still young now, but the nutrition and health 

expo really opened my eyes to all the options I have as I 

get older. I’ll be able to improve my quality of life and be 

my best self.”

- 2018 Nutrition & Health Expo Participant

NUTRITION AND HEALTH EXPO FOR SENIORS
SAGE UPSTATE & ONONDAGA COUNTY OFFICE FOR AGING

SAGE Upstate - promotes the wellbeing of older gay, lesbian, bisexual, 

and transgender people and allies in 

Central New York through health 

programs, social activities and 

education. 

Collaboration Programs

• Step Up To Stop Falls

• Senior Nutrition Farmers Market 

Coupons

• Nutrition Education

• Nutrition & Health Expo
DINNER DINING AT JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

The Jewish Community Center of 

Syracuse offers kosher meals on 

Monday evenings during the 

summer including a variety of live 

entertainment. 

Average attendance is 70 per 

evening meal. A majority of the 

seniors are baby boomers.

Example of Menu

• Fresh Teriyaki Salmon

• Oven Roasted Asparagus 

• Wild Rice 

• Fresh Berry Crisp
VIDEO, SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE LINKS

1. Video - Senior Nutrition Program at the CNY Regional Farmer’s Market

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPR4KpaCbYE 

2. Office for Aging Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/Onondaga-County-Office-for-Aging832777493504438/

3. Institute for Caregivers – Free Classes for Current & Future Caregivers

http://www.ongov.net/aging/icare.html

4. Videos for Institute for Caregivers Popular Baby Boomer Classes

http://www.ongov.net/aging/videos.html

5. Office for Aging Nutrition Home Website

http://www.ongov.net/aging/nutrition.html

6. Office for Aging Nutrition Home Delivered Meals Website Page with 

Links to Onondaga County Providers

http://www.ongov.net/aging/home-delivered-meals.html
THANK YOU FOR WATCHING

Onondaga County Office for Aging: Director of Senior Nutrition Services

MARIA MAHAR MA RD CDN
QUESTIONS?
STARTER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
YOUR TURN!

• What stigmas do baby boomers have about congregate dining in 

your area/state?

• Have area agencies on aging in your state voiced concerns 

regarding the constraints of government regulations influencing 

the ability of programs to expand or meet the changing needs of 

baby boomers.
UPCOMING TRAININGS/EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018 WEBINAR | 3:30PM ET 

UNDERSTANDING AND DOCUMENTING 

KEY CLIENT IMPACT METRICS

REGISTER TODAY!
REFOCUSING ON SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF 

HEALTH TO STRENGTHEN CLIENT IMPACT

The Westin Charlotte

Charlotte, NC | August 27, 2018
FYI:

SUA NUTRITION 

PROFESSIONAL

NETWORKING 

BREAKFAST 

MEALS ON WHEELS 

ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO 

~ The National Resource Center on Nutrition & Aging 
THANK YOU