Nutrition
Good health requires good nutrition! These programs help elders maintain nutritious diets and provide for socialization and referral to other services/ programs.
Congregate Meals
Help, nutritious meals in a congregate setting are offered to New York's elders age 60+ (and spouses of any age) up to five days a week. Allied services include nutrition education, nutrition counseling and transportation. More than 1,000 locations offer congregate nutrition in New York State. They are located in senior centers, senior clubs, senior housing complexes, town halls and other facilities. Contact your local office for the aging).
Home Delivered Meals
Home-delivered meals are available to eligible homebound older persons age 60 or older (spouses and disabled dependents of any age). Allied services include nutrition education and nutrition counseling. Based on client assessments, older persons may receive a wide variety of other services, as well. For more information about this program, contact your local office for the aging.
Food Stamps
This federally-sponsored program helps persons with low incomes buy food or meals to stay healthy. Instead of coupons, recipients now receive a debit card for purchases. For information, contact your local office for the aging, department of social services (see page 48) or in New York City the Human Resources Administration Infoline at 1-718-557-1399.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP):
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) gives eligible, low-income older adults free coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at local farmers' markets. The program encourages them to consume fresh fruits and vegetables. Coupons are available in July, on a first come, first served basis, for use through November. For information and the location of farmers markets, call your local office for the aging.
Determine Your Nutritional Health
Answer the following questions to determine your nutritional health or the health of someone you love. Read each statement. For every one that applies to you, circle the number to the right of the statement. Total the circled numbers and check your score.
- I have an illness or condition that made me change the kind and/or amount of food I eat: 2 points
- I eat fewer than 2 meals per day: 3 pts.
- I eat few fruits or vegetables or milk products: 2 pts.
- I have 3 or more drinks of beer, liquor or wine almost every day: 2 pts.
- I don't always have enough money to buy the food I need: 4 pts.
- Tooth or mouth problems make it difficult to eat: 2 pts.
- I eat alone most of the time: 1 pt.
- I take 3+ different prescribed or over-counter drugs a day: 1 pt.
- Without wanting to, I have lost or gained 10 pounds in the last 6 months: 2 pts.
- I am not always physically able to shop, cook or feed myself: 2 pts.
Your point total: Total your nutritional score. If it's
- 0-2 Good! Recheck your nutritional score in 6 months.
- 3-5 You are at moderate risk. See what can be done to improve your eating and lifestyle. Your local office for the aging, senior nutrition program, senior citizens center or health department can help. Recheck your score in 3 months.
- 6+ You are at high nutritional risk. Bring this checklist when you see your doctor, dietitian or other qualified health or social service professional. Talk with them about any problems you may have. Ask for help to improve your nutritional health.