Spectrum Generations announces that its We Sustain Maine — Senior Nutrition Program recently received recognition from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging n4a with an Aging Innovations Award, the highest honor presented by n4a to member agencies.

The awards program is sponsored by CST your Link to Life. Spectrum Generations was among the top 13 of 57 local aging programs to receive honors during the n4a annual Conference & Tradeshow, July 28-31, in Louisville, Ky, according to a news release.

The 2013 n4a Aging Achievement Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories including Advocacy, Care Transitions, Caregiving, Community Planning/Livable Communities, Economic Security/Financial Assistance, Elder Abuse/Financial Exploitation Prevention, Ethnic/Cultural Diversity, Health / Long-term Services & Supports Integration, Healthy Aging/Nutrition, Home & Community-Based Care, Information & Referral, Technology, Transportation/Mobility Options, Volunteerism/Civic Engagement and “You Name It.”

Spectrum Generations was the top award winner under the Healthy Aging/Nutrition category for its We Sustain Maine Senior Nutrition Program. The program was launched to provide higher quality, more nutritious meals for homebound and disabled adults who live in rural Maine and dine in our centers, according to the release. Funding from individuals, foundations and organizations made it possible to modify two of its community center kitchens and purchase two flash freezers and other equipment to bulk purchase and store Maine food products during peak season for best taste and nutritional value for year round use. Maine food products now account for 29 percent of its nutrition program menu and we are well on our way to reaching 32% by close of fiscal year 2013.

According to Gerard Queally, CEO of Spectrum Generations, “I was honored to accept this award on behalf of our staff and Meals on Wheels volunteers who see the positive affects good nutrition has on the health of our seniors.”

Spectrum Generations is the Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center for central Maine. Its mission is to promote life-long learning, health, wellness, nutrition, community engagement and the social well-being of all older and disabled adults. For more information about programs and services, call 800-639-1553 or visit www.spectrumgenerations.org. Like us on Facebook.