Congregate Meals, served in group settings, are provided throughout New York State by Area Agencies on Aging with funding from the Older Americans Act, NYS Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Community Services for the Elderly Program (CSE). Local funding and participant contributions supplement these federal and state revenues. Meals are available to adults age 60 and older as well as their spouses of any age, without regard to income, up to five days a week. Each meal provides at least 1/3 of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for an individual. There are over 1,000 congregate nutrition sites in New York State. They are located in senior centers or clubs, senior housing complexes, town halls and other community facilities.

In addition to meals, many service providers also offer health and wellness programs, nutrition education, recreational programs and transportation to the individual dining sites. However, due to program funding limitations, there may be a waiting list for nutrition services.

To find a congregate meal site near you, contact your local office for the aging.