The state Office for the Aging’s monthly nutrition education show, “What’s Cooking with NYSOFA,” has gained nearly two million views on YouTube and Facebook as part of state and community-level SNAP-Ed NY program for older adults

During National Nutrition Month, the New York State Office for the Aging today reminds older New Yorkers and their families of the many state and local programs available to support overall health and wellness, particularly nutritional health for individuals age 60 and over. Importantly, these nutrition programs help promote 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.

In 2023, New York’s nutrition program – the nation’s largest – provided over 22 million meals to more than 247,000 individuals. In fact, working with local offices for the aging and partners, New York has served 1,046,508,242 meals since 1975. For general information on these nutrition services, visit aging.ny.gov/march-meals.

“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,” said Greg Olson, state Office for the Aging director. “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. These programs directly address the underlying causes of some of the most severe chronic diseases. They also provide vital connections for older adults who may otherwise experience social isolation, helping individuals maintain their independence and, in many cases, literally save lives.”

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. The program meets the highest national standards and utilizes the expertise of Registered Dietitians (RDs) to certify that food meets these standards, combining funding from federal, state, local government, and 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 have to 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.

For more information, call the local Office for the Aging

716-661-8940.