Nutrition at Iona
Good nutrition is especially important for older adults who may be at risk for hunger or malnutrition due to food insecurity, frailty, and acute or chronic health challenges. Limited mobility can also make certain life tasks—such as shopping for groceries—more difficult. Meanwhile, many older adults live on a fixed budget that makes paying for rent, medications, and healthy food next to impossible.
Iona’s food programs work to eliminate senior hunger in DC by ensuring our older neighbors have access to nutritious food, fresh produce, and the information they need to age well.
Program information
Eligibility requirements for Iona's nutrition programs vary, and many programs have a waitlist. Please call the Helpline at (202) 895-9448 or send us a message online below for more information.
Nutrition Education, Assessment, & Counseling
Iona’s licensed dietitians and nutritionists work to maximize older adults' food and nutrition situations by providing the following professional nutrition services via telephone, in-office, and home visits:
- Provide information and answer food and nutrition questions
- Assess current food and nutritional status and needs and link clients to Iona food and nutrition security programs and services
- Provide referrals to external programs and services, including the DC Department of Aging & Community Living’s (DACL) Home Delivered Meals and program (202-724-5626)
- Provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, including enrolling clients in the DACL Nutrition Supplement program, which provides up to two cases monthly of therapeutic liquid nutrition supplement drinks
Around Town DC Community Lunch & Programming Sites
Iona hosts daily, in-person community lunch and wellness programs at St. Alban's Church, Oasis Senior Center and the Asian Pacific Islander Senior Center. Get to know your neighbors while enjoying coffee hour, a nutritious lunch, and wellness activities! We offer many activities including:
- Morning coffee and conversation
- Nutritious daily lunch
- Twice Monthly Produce Market (St. Alban's only)
- Group nutrition education programs
- Exercise classes (yoga, dance, meditation and movement, strength/balance/core, cardio kickboxing)
- Group field trips
- Creative and performing arts (improve comedy, studio art, art and movement)
- Games
- Onsite specialist to connect participants to Iona programs and other services
Program Details:
Around Town DC Community Lunch & Program Sites offer an in-person program Monday through Friday for DC residents aged 60 and older.
Programming is offered Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Pre-registration is not required, but you must provide identification and enroll in the program when you arrive. Lunches are reserved a week in advance, but we will do our best to provide a meal for you.
Supportive Amenities at Community Dining Sites
Iona hosts daily, in-person community dining centers and wellness programs for residents of Asbury Dwelling Place, Claridge Towers, James Apartments, Regency House and St. Mary’s Court, and the surrounding community. Get to know your neighbors while enjoying coffee hour, a nutritious lunch, and wellness activities! We offer many activities including:
- Morning coffee and conversation
- Healthy daily lunch
- Weekend Produce Program (Regency House only)
- Group nutrition education classes
- Exercise classes
- Group field trips
- Games
- Onsite social worker to connect participants to Iona programs and other services
Program Details:
Iona’s Supportive Amenities at Community Dining Sites offers an in-person program Monday through Friday for DC residents aged 60 and older.
Programming is offered Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Pre-registration is not required, but you must provide identification and enroll in the program when you arrive. Lunches are reserved a week in advance, but we will do our best to provide a meal for you.
The extra food that I get from Iona is very helpful. It's saving me financially."
Learn more about Iona's nutrition services.
Please call our Helpline or send us a message to learn more about our nutrition programs and determine your eligibility.
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of Aging and Community Living