Congregate Meals
Congregate Meals is a nutritious meal service provided in group settings such as senior centers, churches, schools, and community centers. This program is designed to provide healthy food to the elderly while promoting social interaction among seniors to alleviate feelings of isolation. Beyond simply providing a meal, it plays a vital community role as a place where seniors can communicate with neighbors and gain emotional support.
Key Features
Nutritious Diet: Provide balanced nutritional meals that meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) in accordance with Older Americans Act (OAA) standards.
- Social Engagement: Reduces feelings of alienation in old age and improves overall well-being through interaction with others.
- High Accessibility: Various locations, including senior centers, religious facilities, community centers, and select partner facilities.
- Additional Services: Provides beneficial programs alongside meals, such as wellness checks, chronic disease management education, and fall prevention training.
Eligibility
- Seniors aged 60 or older, or the spouse of a beneficiary (regardless of age).
- Individuals with disabilities who reside with a beneficiary aged 60 or older (regardless of age).
- Program volunteers who provide services during meal hours
*Specific eligibility requirements may vary by local program, so please contact your local ADRC for inquiries.
Cost
Meals are provided free of charge. To support the program, a voluntary donation of $1.25 per meal is encouraged; services are provided regardless of whether a donation is made. All donation records are kept confidential.
Application and Contact
- Advance Reservation Required: As the number of meals per location is limited, reservations must typically be made 24 hours in advance.
- Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC).
- Bergen County Division of Senior Services
- NJ ADRC Toll-Free Hotline: 1-877-222-3737
- AWCA provides counseling free of charge (201-862-1665 / info@awcanj.org)
Resources
