NEW YORK STATE — The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) recently reminded older New Yorkers and their families of state and local programs that are available to support overall health and wellness, particularly nutritional health for individuals age 60 and over. These nutrition programs help support healthy aging in place, fight nutritional deficiencies and associated chronic illnesses, and curb social isolation through congregate dining, grab-and-go meal programs and home-delivered meals, according to a press release from the state.

In 2024, New York’s nutrition program for older adults—the nation’s largest—provided over 20 million meals to more than 246,000 individuals.

“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,” NYSOFA director Greg 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.”

NYSOFA administers the state’s nutrition program for older adults in partnership with 59 county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and their local partners. It combines funding from federal, state and local government, as well as volunteer contributions from recipients, into a single, comprehensive, statewide program.

Services are provided by AAAs and their community partners in every county of the state. Nutrition services include congregate and home-delivered meals, nutrition education and counseling, as well as referrals to additional supports and benefit programs.

Congregate meals are provided at almost 800 community dining sites throughout New York. Home-delivered meals are for individuals unable to shop and prepare meals and who don’t have assistance doing so. Anyone over 60 can access congregate meals, and those needing a meal at home must meet eligibility criteria.

Income-based nutrition assistance is also available for older adults, including help paying for food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which provides coupons to buy locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. The average SNAP benefit for an older adult is approximately $200 per month, or $2,400 per year.

To access any of these programs, New York residents can contact their local aging office using NYSOFA’s directory at www.aging.ny.gov/local-offices, or by calling the NY Connects helpline at 800/342-9871. Further program background and application information can be found at www.aging.ny.gov/programs/food-and-meals.