FREDONIA, NY – Chautauqua County celebrated the grand opening of its newest Dining Out Program site at Fredonia First Methodist Church on Friday. This milestone marks the first program specific location in the county, offering older adults a welcoming space to enjoy hot, healthy meals and meaningful social connections twice weekly.
Grand opening festivities featured information tables, entertainment, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and community members. Lunch was served at noon, with participants enjoying a celebratory meal followed by cake and social activities.
“This program embodies our mission to create connections and reduce isolation among older adults,” said Dana Corwin, Director of the Office for Aging Services. “The Fredonia First Methodist Church is the perfect partner to help us expand this important initiative. Their commitment to service and creating a community around the table is inspiring.”
The Dining Out Program is part of the Older Americans Act Senior Nutrition Program, which aims to reduce food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition; enhance socialization; and promote the health and wellness of older adults. With the addition of Fredonia First Methodist Church, over 800 seniors across Chautauqua County now have access to this initiative, which served over 22,000 meals countywide last year.
Pastor Annette Puleff, who was instrumental in bringing the program to Fredonia, shared her enthusiasm: “As a former restaurant owner and cook, I’ve always believed in the power of food to bring people together. Hosting the Dining Out Program at Fredonia First Methodist Church allows us to serve our community in a deeply meaningful way.”
In addition to meals, the Fredonia location will offer various social activities before lunch, including games, puzzles, interest-based groups, and evidence-based wellness programs like “Moving for Better Balance.” Special series from the Office for Aging Services, such as SNAP-Ed Nutrition and Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE), will also be brought to this site.
“The Dining Out Program is an invaluable asset to our county,” said Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. “This initiative not only addresses nutritional needs but also fosters the connections and camaraderie that are vital to our residents’ well-being. I’m thrilled to see Fredonia First Methodist Church join this effort.”
The Fredonia location is open every Wednesday and Friday, with lunch served at noon. Interested participants aged 60 or older must complete a nutrition risk screening assessment through the Office for Aging Services. While there is no fixed cost, participants are encouraged to contribute $5.00 per meal to support the program.
For more information or to register, community members can contact the Office for Aging Services at 716-753-4582. Those interested in volunteering at the Fredonia site can reach out to Pastor Annette Puleff at 716-679-1513.
The success of this event underscores the collaborative efforts between the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, Fredonia First Methodist Church, and the Administration on Community Living. As the county continues to prioritize the health and wellness of its older residents, plans are already underway to expand the Dining Out Program to additional locations in the coming year.
