Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association

The Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association (CNNSSA) is a US-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential services to older adults and individuals with disabilities. It operates primarily in the states of Illinois, serving counties such as Cook, Grundy, Kendall, and Will.

History

CNNSSA originated from a meal service program managed by the Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) in the 1970s. Due to diminishing federal funding for senior services in the late 1990s, CNNSSA became a not-for-profit organization in 2000. To enhance its capabilities and outreach, the Meals on Wheels Foundation of Northern Illinois was established in 2001 as the fundraising arm of CNNSSA. By 2005, CNNSSA expanded its services to include Grundy and Kendall Counties, alongside suburban Cook County.

Services

• Meals on Wheels Program: CNNSSA provides home-delivered meals to seniors and disable individuals, ensuring they receive nutritious meals while living independently in their homes. These meals are delivered five days a week and are designed to meet one-third of the recipient's daily nutritional needs.

• Group Dining and Community Cafes: In addition to home delivery, CNNSSA operates community cafes offering a variety of activities such as fitness programs (Zumba Gold Chair Aerobics, Line Dancing), brain games (Bingo, Trivia), and themed social events. These locations serve as hubs for social interaction and community engagement among seniors.

• Eligibility: Services are available to individuals aged 60 or older, their spouses of any age, and younger individuals with disabilities living in housing facilities for seniors or with eligible seniors in non-institutional settings.

Programs and Impact

CNNSSA emphasizes nutritional health as a key factor in maintaining independence among older adults. It operates 9 group dining sites and 9 meal distribution hubs across its service areas. The organization highlights the critical need for its services, especially given the high prevalence of hunger and isolation among seniors in regions like Illinois.

CNNSSA has reported significant community engagement, including substantial volunteer hours and the delivery of emergency meals. The organization's commitment to nourishment and community support plays a crucial role in helping seniors live safely and independently.

Financial Structure

While meals and services are provided at no cost, participants are asked for a voluntary contribution to support the organization's operations. No individual is denied service based on their inability or unwillingness to contribute financially.

[1] https://cnnssa.org/about/ [2] https://cnnssa.org/cafes/cook-county/ [3] https://cnnssa.org [4] https://cnnssa.org/meals-on-wheels/will-county/ [5] https://cnnssa.org/meals-on-wheels/