CDHS launches monthly food boxes for older adults

The Colorado Department of Human Services has launched Everyday Eats, a free monthly food box that provides the building blocks to create filling, nutritious meals for older adults who lack consistent access to food resources.

Many older Coloradans living on a fixed income struggle to meet even their basic needs; Colorado ranks in the top 10 states for older adults without reliable access to affordable, nutritious food, according to Feeding America.

This monthly box, a rebrand of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, contains food staples that will help to supplement what people might get at the grocery store to ensure nutritious, complete meals.

Items included in the box are canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, rice or noodles, peanut butter or beans, and protein. These monthly food packages include options for low-sodium, diabetic-friendly and other dietary needs.

“Our goal is to increase access to nutritional meals among older Coloradans, who often live on a fixed budget and struggle to meet their basic needs,” said Kathy Underhill, food distribution programs manager for CDHS. “The program provides eligible adults 60+ with monthly packages of food basics like rice, cereal, beans and canned goods — everything they need to make complete, healthy meals. We’re here to help older Coloradans maintain their sense of dignity while getting the basic foods  they need to prepare healthy meals and stay nourished.”

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