The New York State Office for the Aging is spotlighting its extensive nutrition programs this National Nutrition Month, reminding older New Yorkers of the vital services available to support their health and independence. With more than 20 million meals provided annually to over 246,000 individuals, New York operates the largest nutrition program for older adults in the country.
Since its inception in 1975, the program has served more than 10 million people, delivering over 1 billion meals. These efforts help combat malnutrition, manage chronic illnesses, and reduce social isolation among adults aged 60 and older through community dining sites, grab-and-go meal programs, and home-delivered meals.
NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen emphasized the critical role these programs play in ensuring the well-being of older adults. “Food is medicine and good nutrition is not only the cornerstone of healthy aging, but it’s an important way to help prevent and manage chronic diseases,” Olsen said. “For many older adults, the home delivery of meals is a critical health and safety check, and the meal deliverer may be the only person that the older adult sees each week.”
The program is administered through 59 county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in partnership with local organizations. It meets the highest national nutrition standards, with oversight from Registered Dietitians to ensure meals are both healthy and effective in addressing the needs of older adults.
Older New Yorkers can access meals at nearly 800 congregate dining sites across the state, while home-delivered meals serve those who are unable to shop or cook for themselves. Additionally, income-based nutrition assistance is available through programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which provides coupons for fresh produce at local markets. The average SNAP benefit for older adults is approximately $200 per month.
To learn more about these nutrition services or to find local resources, individuals can visit NYSOFA’s website at https://aging.ny.gov/march-meals or call the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.
Beyond meal programs, NYSOFA is also using digital platforms to promote nutrition education. Its SNAP-Ed NY program includes interactive initiatives such as “What’s Cooking with NYSOFA,” a monthly cooking demonstration, and “Ask the Experts: Nutrition Edition,” a Q&A series addressing dietary concerns for older adults. These programs, available on Facebook and YouTube, have collectively reached millions of viewers, helping to expand access to nutrition education.
To further support food security, NYSOFA has worked to streamline the SNAP application process for older adults, reducing paperwork and extending recertification periods to 36 months. A video tutorial explaining these updates is available on the NYSOFA website.
As New York continues to prioritize the nutritional well-being of its aging population, these programs remain a critical resource for promoting health, preventing disease, and fostering community connections.
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