Home Delivered Meals and Nutrition Program

                     

Those eligible for Home Delivered Meals may call the office at 315-785-3191


Senior Community Meal Sites

We are happy to announce that we have opened some Senior Community Meal sites throughout the county. These sites provide meals at lunch time for people 60 or over in a friendly group setting at community sites. There will be various social and educational programs scheduled at each site as well. These scheduled events are TBA. The Senior Community Meal Sites are as follows:





The suggested contribution amount is $3.50. No one is denied a meal if they are unable to contribute, all contributions are voluntary.


Nutrition: Home-delivered and Congregate Meal Services for Older Adults

This is a brief summary of the CPSTF finding and systematic review evidence for Nutrition: Home-delivered and Congregate Meal Services for Older Adults. Read a complete summary of the systematic review and CPSTF finding.This information is also availble in a PDF version pdf icon [PDF - 291 KB].


Summary of Community Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation

The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommends home-delivered and congregate meal services to reduce malnutrition among older adults living independently (i.e., not residents of senior living or retirement community centers).

Major Findings

The CPSTF recommendation is based on evidence from 20 studies identified from a published systematic review1 and an updated search (search period through May 21, 2021).

  • Home-delivered meal services increased the percent of older adults who met their Recommended Daily Allowances for energy by 7.1 percentage points and for protein by 5.9 percentage points (6 studies). Malnutrition among participants decreased by 15.5 percentage points (9 studies).
  • Congregate meal services decreased malnutrition among participants by 9 percentage points (2 studies).
What are Home-delivered and Congregate Meal Services?

Meal services provide nutritious meals to adults 60 years and older who are living independently (i.e., not residents of senior living centers). Interventions prioritize those with greater social and economic needs and are delivered as one of the following:

  • Home-delivered meal services, or
  • Congregate meal services provided in group settings, such as senior centers, that give older adults an opportunity to socialize.

Meals typically follow nutritional guidelines, are usually provided five days per week, and may follow cultural- or health-related needs, such as diabetic requirements.

Why is This Important?

  • Older adults are at greater risk of malnutrition2 and may experience less social connectedness.3
  • Older adults living on fixed incomes are at greater risk for food insecurity.4,5
  • The Older Americans Act Nutrition Program provides home-delivered meal and congregate meal services to reduce hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; enhance socialization; and promote health and well-being among older Americans.6

Learn More

CDC Nutrition External Web Site Icon

Administration for Community Living, Nutrition and Aging Resource Center External Web Site Icon

References

1 Walton K, et al. The impact of home-delivered meal services on the nutritional intake of community living older adults: a systematic literature review. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 2020;33;38-47.

2 Norman K, et al. Malnutrition in older adults—recent advances and remaining challenges. Nutrients 2021;13:2764.

3 Krondl M, et al. Helping older adults meet nutritional challenges. Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly 2008; 27(3/4), 205-20.

4 Mabli J, et al. Hunger in America 2010: National report prepared for Feeding America: final report. Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.: 2010. Report number: 06251-600.

5 Goldberg SL, et al. Predictors of food insecurity among older adults in the United States. Public Health Nursing 2014; doi: 10.1111/phn.12173.

6 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living. Nutrition Services. November 2021. Date Accessed: 11/29/2021. Available at: https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services.


Established in 1996 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) is an independent, nonfederal panel of public health and prevention experts whose members are appointed by the director of CDC. CPSTF provides information for a wide range of decision makers on programs, services, and other interventions aimed at improving population health. Although CDC provides administrative, scientific, and technical support for CPSTF, the recommendations developed are those of CPSTF and do not undergo review or approval by CDC. Find more information at www.thecommunityguide.org.



Fresh and Healthy Food Grown Right in Your Window 
By Lisbeth Irish RDN CDN CDCES 

Spring brings opportunities to get outside and be active. Experienced gardeners are planning their gardens now, and most of us envision gardens as “outdoor projects.” But don’t limit yourself based on that assumption.
 
Windowsill gardens are an excellent option for those who don't have access to a yard or outdoor space for gardening. Growing plants indoors connects us to nature, and it can make waiting for warmer weather a little easier. 

Choosing What to Grow 

If you're not sure what to grow, think about what you like to eat and how much room you have. There are options for every situation.

Herbs are a great choice for a windowsill garden. They are generally easy to grow and add so much flavor to our foods. If you need to reduce the sodium in your diet, herbs can substitute for added salt in many recipes.

What are your favorite herbs? Basil? Cilantro? Mint? Parsley? Basil is perfect for Italian dishes. Cilantro is delicious in Mexican and some Asian recipes. Mint added to tea or even plain water can create a refreshing beverage. Parsley can add color and flavor to soups, stews, potatoes, and so much more. Did you know parsley is an excellent source of Vitamin A?

Ready to give windowsill container gardening a try? Here’s a practical approach you can use to start your garden indoors.

You'll need just a few inexpensive supplies to get started: 

  1. Containers with drainage - Poke holes in a yogurt container or add some clean stones to the bottom of a container without holes. Make sure you put a small plate or a plastic lid under the container to protect your windowsill. 

  1. Potting Soil - A small bag will do. Don't use soil from a garden outside; it won't have all the nutrients your plant will need to grow healthy. 

  1. Seeds or seedlings - Seedlings (small plants) are a little easier to grow, but seeds may be less expensive. Both can be purchased by SNAP recipients at stores that accept SNAP EBT.  

  1. Light - Pick your sunniest window. If the windowsill area gets drafty or cold when the sun goes down, move your plants to a warmer place in the room. 

  1. Water - Water your plants when the soil dries out, but don't overwater as it may cause root rot.

Here are a pair of videos about planting seedlings. You’ll find helpful as you start your plants:

Before you know it, you'll be harvesting your herbs to add to your favorite dishes! Remember, the possibilities are endless.

Lisbeth Irish is a Registered Dietitian with the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA). She has over 25 years' experience working as a Registered Dietitian in a variety of settings and currently oversees the NYSOFA SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education program for older adults in New York State. This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For more information on how to save time, save money and eat healthy, visit www.snapedny.org




Home Delivered and Community Meal Site Menus


Attention!! The most current menu is now printable. It can be found in the downloadable forms section of our website.




Please see list below for Food Pantry sites in each community.


The Office for the Aging Nutrition Program includes home delivered meals, community setting meals and nutrition counseling. No accommodations are made for special diets, although salt is not added in cooking and fruit may be substituted for bakery desserts. All meals provide 33% the recommended daily intake of nutrients and are planned by a Registered Dietician. The R.D. also provides information, education and individual counseling for both our congregate and home delivered meals clients.


Qualified persons may receive a hot meal delivered to their homes. Persons are eligible if they are 60 or older, have physical or mental limitations or lack the ability to prepare a meal for themselves.

Noontime meals are also available for persons 60 and over in a friendly group setting at sites throughout the county. Frequent social and educational programs occur at the sites. Reservations may be made at the selected site or by calling Prestige Services at 315-686-4440 the day before you want the meal. 

There is a suggested donation of $3.50 for lunch at the senior community meal sites and for the home delivered meal program. These donations support additional food service to the elderly. While donations are sought, no one will be denied a meal if unable to donate. The guest fee for individuals under the age of 60 is $9.83 per meal at senor community meal sites. Meals are prepared by a professional catering service and your comments are always welcome!

For more information on the Nutrition Program or to register, call Monique at 315-785-3191!