Innovating the Iowa Congregate Nutrition Program: A Needs and Preference Assessment

Abstract

Participation in the Congregate Nutrition Program (CNP) is declining. This study examined CNP participation motivators, barriers, menu preferences, desired facility attributes, and educational programming to help identify strategies to increase participation. Four focus groups were held (3 = CNP participants only, n = 21; 1 = non-CNP participants, n = 11). They were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for common themes. All participants were White and food secure (93.8%). The majority were educated (75.8%), female (72.2%), and aged 71–80 years old (53.1%). CNP participation motivators were affordability, healthy meals, socialization, and location convenience. CNP participation barriers were limited awareness, the low perceived need for attending the CNP, and transportation. Ideal CNP characteristics were menu choice, variety of activities, and a welcoming ambiance. Preferred marketing strategies were print advertising and word of mouth. These findings provide insight as to how the CNP may be modified to be more appealing for the older adult population.

Keywords:

• Aging successfully
• congregate nutrition program
• older adults
• social marketing theory

Additional information

Funding

This work was sponsored by the Administration for Community Living/Administration on Aging: Innovations in Nutrition Program and Services Grant 2017–2019 (Number: 90INNU0001-01-00). This work was completed as part of the USDA NE-1439 Multistate Project “Changing the health trajectory of older adults through Effective Diet and Activity Modifications.