Nutrition is key at every age.
CICOA provides nutrition education to individuals and their families in neighborhood meal sites in Indianapolis and the surrounding counties to promote healthy food choices, improve health behaviors and manage nutrition-related chronic diseases.
Anyone interested in learning more about any of the educational opportunities available through our neighborhood meal sites should contact CICOA Meals & More at 317-803-6042.
Senior Nutrition Resources
Nutrition & Activity Tips
Check out these handy tips and ideas about aging, nutrition and activity from the CICOA Meals & More service.
- 10 Ways to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
- Activity Tips
- Background Music to Create a Calm Environment
- Be Active Every Day
- Eating Without Utensils
- Grocery Shopping Tips
- Healthy Snack & Drink Ideas
- Helping Your Loved One Maintain Independence with Self-Feeding
- How to Help a Person Living with Dementia Avoid Dehydration
- Mealtime and Kitchen Hacks for Aging
- Mealtime Tips
- Oats: A Simple Yet Beneficial Food Favorite of Caregivers
- Tips to Use Sunflower Seeds & Peanut Butter
- Two-week Sample Menu
Peas and Carrots
The Indiana FSSA Division of Aging publishes a monthly newsletter called "Peas and Carrots." Read the latest issues for nutrition tips and a fun word search.
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024
May 2024
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
Access to affordable, nutritious food is central to living a healthy life at every age. The Indiana Federal Nutrition Programs Toolkit, developed by Indy Hunger Network and state agencies, helps you navigate the most commonly used food programs in Indiana.
Bingocize®
Bingocize® is a fun, active program that promotes healthy aging. Developed at Western Kentucky University, Bingocize® combines the beloved game with nutrition education and exercise to help reduce falls and improve the health and well-being of older adults.
CICOA offers Bingocize® in-person for seniors in Central Indiana.
Participants can expect to actively learn about various nutrients, specific diets, healthy food choices, hydration, and budget-friendly shopping. Additionally, a physical activity component introduces exercises and stretches, and it’s all flexible based on the participant’s own pace and ability. The program is designed for beginners, so no prior nutrition or exercise knowledge is needed.
Anyone who qualifies for a Meals & More neighborhood meal site qualifies for Bingocize®.
Research suggests that participating in the program increases lower- and upper-body strength, mental cognition and fall prevention awareness. Additionally, Bingocize® has been included in the Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program of the United States Administration for Community Living.
Learn more about Bingocize® in the video below.
To register for a Bingocize® program, call (317) 803-6042.
Join us for an upcoming session!
Location: Cambridge Square of Beech Grove Lunchroom #331
Address: 331 E. Churchman Place Beech Grove, IN 46107
Dates: Tuesdays & Fridays beginning May 14
Time: 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Cost: FREE!
Information sessions:
Tuesday, April 30, 11:15 a.m.
Friday, May 10, 11:15 a.m.
All are welcome!
YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program
FACT: People with prediabetes are likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years, unless they take action to reduce their risk.
Now through the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program and CICOA, you can work with others in a small group setting to make practical, lifestyle changes that will improve your overall health. Studies show these changes also can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and its associated danger—heart attack, stroke, blindness and even amputation—by 58 percent!
No YMCA membership required to participate!
The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-led National Diabetes Prevention Program and is nationally supported by the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance.
Hunger is hard. Now, finding food is easy. Indy Hunger Network introduces Community Compass—a free, quick and easy app to find food assistance in Marion County. Download the app or text "hi" to 317-434-3758.
Contact CICOA Meals & More Service
To request a nutrition education workshop:
Call: (317) 803-6042
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.