SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Senior Information Guide

Good nutrition enhances a person’s health and well
being. A good diet can also prevent some chronic diseases
and minimize the impact of others. These include: diabetes,
high blood pressure, osteoporosis, heart disease,
some kinds of cancer and digestive problems. If getting
groceries or preparing a variety of healthy foods is a
problem, the resources in this Guide may be of help.
This section includes information on grocery shopping
assistance, lists of places to eat with others, information
about home delivered meals, supplemental food and food
pantries, and sources of nutrition information. Senior
Information and Assistance programs maintain a list of
stores in your area that deliver, and of errand services
that do your shopping for you. Homemaker Programs
can sometimes assist with shopping.
Hot lunches are available in San Luis Obispo County
to persons age 60 and older and their spouses. Sites
provide a hot nutritious meal at lunch time. Reservations
are required. Meals are available at no cost; a donation
is suggested. Transportation may be available–call the
nearest site.
Food and Nutrition
Home delivered meals are also available for frail, homebound
persons age 60 and over and their spouses. Services
vary so be sure to ask the provider agency if they
provide meals on weekends, holidays and what is their
delivery schedule. Some programs provide a second cold
meal when the hot meal is delivered. Some programs
have a set charge and others accept a donation. Some
programs send weekend meals with the Friday delivery.
Several local programs provide supplemental foods.
Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County provides
food for those in need by obtaining surplus food
for distribution through its member agencies. No food is
provided for individuals at Food Bank offi ces. Call Food
Bank for a referral to sites nearest you. Many of the
programs that provide groceries appreciate the donation
of used grocery bags, both paper and plastic of all sizes.
Take your spare bags to the food distribution site nearest
you.
The Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County operates
a Brown Bag program. This program distributes
food to low-income persons over the age of 60 with a
limited income at sites throughout the County. The Bags
include nutritious food items. A donation is accepted.
Determine Your Nutritional Health
The warning signs of poor nutritional health are often overlooked. Use this checklist to fi nd out if you or someone
you know is at risk for a poor diet. Read the statements below. Circle the number in the Yes column for
those that apply to you or someone you know. For each yes answer, score the number in the box. Total the
nutritional score.
YES
I have an illness or condition that made me change the kind and/or amount of food I eat. 2
I eat fewer than 2 meals a day. 3
I eat few fruits or vegetables, or milk products. 2
I have 3 or more drinks of beer, liquor or wine almost every day. 2
I have tooth or mouth problems that make it hard for me to eat. 2
I don’t always have enough money to buy the food I need. 4
I eat alone most of the time. 1
I take 3 or more different prescribed or over-the-counter drugs a day. 1
Without wanting to, I have lost or gained 10 pounds in the last 6 months. 2
I am not always physically able to shop, cook and/or feed myself. 2
Total
If your score is:
0-2 Good. Recheck your nutritional score in 6 months.
3-5 You are at a moderate nutritional risk. See what can be done to improve your eating habits and
lifestyles. See services in this directory that may be of help. Recheck your score in 3 months.
6 or more You are at high nutritional risk. Bring this checklist the next time you see your doctor or other
health care provider. Ask for help to improve your nutrition.
This Nutritional Screening tool was developed by the Nutrition Screening Initiative, a project of the American Academy of
Family Physicians, The American Dietetic Association and the National Council on the Aging.
2007-2009 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SENIOR INFORMATION GUIDE 49