By Carey Skelton MS MPH RDN CDN/Consulting Registered Dietitian
In 1972, the Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) was added to the Older Americans Act federal regulations with the intent to enhance socialization, promote the health and well-being of older adults, and reduce food insecurity and malnutrition. Over 50 years later, we still see the need for nutrition programs is relevant.
In Chautauqua County, our SNP’s include both our Dining In program and our Dining Out program. Our Dining In program provides meal services delivered to the homes of our most frail and home-bound older adults. Older adults registered for this program are provided a safety check with each delivered meal package and then dine in their homes on a meal that meets federal nutrition standards.
Our Dining Out Program provides meal services in social or group settings.
HOW does it work? Participants call our NY Connects line to register in our Dining Out program. The participant is assigned a CHQAging card that can be used at participating locations for a meal. Gratuity is not included, so be sure to bring a tip for your server. There are 20 meal units uploaded to the card at the beginning of each month automatically and expire at the end of the month if not used. There is a limit of 1 meal per day. At the end of the month, each participant is given the opportunity to make a contribution to the program. The contribution letter will indicate how many meal units were used that month at participating locations. We suggest a $5 contribution for each meal. Your contributions are put into use directly to the Chautauqua County Dining Out program in order to serve more older adults.
WHERE are the participating locations? Meeders, Central Station, Shur-Fine in Cassadaga, UPMC Café, Sinclairville 76ers, and more to come in 2025! In fact, join us for the Grand Opening at Fredonia First Methodist Church on Wednesday, January 15th 2025. Pastor Nettie, former owner of the Mustard Seed in South Dayton, will be one of the cooks! Reservations required. Additionally, we have several other businesses who have reached out to start the process in partnering with Office for Aging Services in this program. We are very excited to offer additional locations for this great SNP.
WHAT is included in the meal? Each location has a special menu with our Dining Out logo at the top. Be sure to show your CHQAging card before you order so you are provided the dietitian approved menu that meets the Older Americans Act nutrition standards. The Dining Out menus are not the businesses regular menus. These approved meals are calorie appropriate and nutrient balanced for your health.
WHEN can I use my CHQAging card? Call our NY Connects line at 716-753-4582 if you don’t already have a card assigned to you. Once you get your card, you can use it at any participating location. Please note that some of our participating locations honor the Dining Out program on specific days or at specific hours.
WHO is eligible for the Dining Out Program? If you are over the age of 60, you are eligible for the Dining Out Program.
By making simple and healthy choices on a daily basis, you will be well on your way towards achieving optimal wellness. We know the healthy choice is not always the easiest choice, but small changes can make a big difference. Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services offers Nutrition & Wellness programs to help you in your journey toward total wellness. Please remember to contribute toward your OFAS Nutrition & Wellness programs if you can. These programs are not sustainable without the support of participant and community contributions. Be aware that SNAP benefits can be used toward your contribution. Call NY Connects at 716-753-4582 for more details and information about any of these Nutrition and Wellness programs provided by Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services.
