The Dutchess County Office for the Aging offers a wide variety of services to meet the nutritional needs of persons 60 years and older. Services include congregate meals at OFA Friendship Centers, Home Delivered Meals for homebound older adults, nutrition education and counseling, picnics during the summer, and year-round health promotion events.
OFA Friendship Centers (also known as Congregate Sites) - For those older adults who wish a tasty, nutritious meal combined with social activities and fellowship. Most of the eight OFA friendship centers are open Monday through Thursday.
Printable brochure: OFA Nutrition and Friendship Centers (.pdf)
Printable form and brochure: Volunteering with OFA (.pdf)
November Update: OFA'S Home Delivered Meals (HDM) program and Senior Friendship Center in Beacon (1 Forrestal Heights) is looking for volunteers who can help in the kitchen at the Beacon Friendship Center. We’re looking for help on any or all weekdays from Tuesday through Friday, from approximately 9-11 am. You would be part of the process where OFA prepares and packages dozens of meals delivery to homebound older adults in the greater Beacon area, along with clients of the Friendship Center. Additionally, we’re looking for volunteer assistance with Friendship Center clients on Wednesdays between 10 am and 2 pm. We work with your schedule - if you’re free just one of the days, two days, or all of them, our older adults will be more than grateful for the assistance and companionship. For more information, contact Jamie in the OFA Nutrition division, at 845-486-2597 or jdennis@dutchessny.gov.
We're also seeking volunteer drivers in our Home Delivered Meals program, particularly in the Beacon, Hyde Park, Pleasant Valley and Poughkeepsie area. Mileage reimbursement is available for drivers who use their own vehicles for deliveries, and reimbursement has been increased to reflect higher fuel prices. Contact us to find out more.
Healthy Recipes (all PDFs)
Lemony Braised Kale and Tomatoes
Nutrition Tips (all PDFs)
Healthy Eating for the Holidays
Got an old family recipe you'd like to share? Take a picture of it, or make a copy, and send it to bjones@dutchessny.gov.
Services in the area that delivery meals or groceries, including Meals on Wheels
Many communities operate their own Senior Centers - find one near you!
Adequate nutrition is necessary for health, quality of life and vitality
For those seniors who wish a tasty, nutritious meal combined with social activities and fellowship
