Roanoke, Va.
– Local Office on Aging is thrilled to announce that its Emergency Food
Pantry received a 2026 Aging Achievement Award from USAging, one of the highest honors presented
by USAging to its members. The Emergency Food Pantry, which provides supplemental non-perishable food for
at-risk seniors, was among 33 local aging programs to receive Achievement honors
during USAging’s 51st Annual Conference and Tradeshow, July 18–21 in San Diego,
CA. An additional 16 agencies received Innovations Awards.
The 2026
USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards, supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus.care, recognizes USAging’s Area Agency
on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Program members that have found new
and innovative ways to support older adults, people with disabilities and
caregivers as they live in their homes and communities.
“These
award-winning programs reflect the ingenuity, dedication and local leadership
of Area Agencies on Aging across the country,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of
USAging. “They show what is possible when communities invest in the innovative
approaches that Area Agencies on Aging develop to respond to the real needs of
older adults and caregivers, and we are proud to celebrate the organizations
leading this important work.”
LOA’s Emergency
Food Pantry Program provides supplemental groceries to LOA service recipients
who may struggle to keep enough food in their homes due to limited income,
unexpected expenses, or rising food costs. The program is designed to help
seniors bridge the gap when they are running low on groceries, have exhausted
their monthly food budget, or are waiting for their next Social Security or
retirement check. Food supplement bags are provided up to once per month per
client.
Participants
receive nutritious food items such as canned vegetables and fruits, proteins,
pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, soups, and other pantry staples.
Accepting the
award was Ron Boyd, LOA President and CEO. He says, “By providing emergency
access to nutritious food, the Emergency Food Pantry Program helps reduce food
insecurity, supports health and independence, and offers peace of mind
to older adults facing financial hardship. No senior should have to go hungry
simply because their grocery budget doesn’t last until the end of the month”.
The 2026
USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards honored traditional and new
strategies in a range of categories, including agency operations, caregiving,
community planning and livable communities, elder abuse prevention,
health–social care integration, healthy aging, home and community-based
services, housing and homelessness, nutrition, social engagement, technology,
transportation and mobility, and workforce development and volunteerism.
All winners are
highlighted in the USAging
Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards Showcase.