SNAP-Ed Empowers Older Adults
“I am the director of programs at the Senior Center in Durham NC, I’ve seen firsthand how much the DINE program means to our older adult members. Many of our seniors live on fixed incomes and face serious barriers to eating well—rising food costs, limited access to transportation, and chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. When DINE educators come to our center, they bring more than just nutrition information—they bring practical, relevant tools our members can actually use. The recipes are affordable and easy to follow. The cooking demos are interactive and confidence-building. And the education is delivered with warmth, patience, and deep cultural respect. Members often tell us that DINE has changed the way they cook and shop. They feel more empowered to make healthy choices, and they leave classes with skills that directly impact their well-being. For some, it’s the first time they’ve ever had clear, respectful, and hands-on nutrition education tailored to their lives. We rely on DINE not just as a partner, but as a lifeline for our seniors’ health. Losing this program would be a major loss to our center and to the dignity and independence of the older adults we serve.”