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.
2025 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Now Open
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs. Qualifying older adults must be Dutchess County residents at least 60 years of age and receiving benefits through public assistance, SNAP, HEAP, or Section 8 housing. Alternately, an older adult may qualify if household income is below 185% of US poverty guidelines. To find out more about qualifications, call OFA during business hours at 845-486-2555 or email ofa@dutchessny.gov. Older residents of low-income housing complexes may be able to find out more about SFMNP from their residence manager.
OFA will distribute a limited number of SFMNP booklets from our main office in Poughkeepsie, while supplies last, only on Thursdays and Fridays from 2:30-4:00pm. SFMNP booklets will also be distributed to qualifying participants of our OFA Friendship Center and Home Delivered Meals programs throughout the County.
Participating SFMNP markets in Dutchess County as of July 1, 2025. We will update this list as new markets join the program.
NOTICE Contributions are voluntary and confidential, and are used to expand the services for which they are received. No one will be denied services because of an inability or unwillingness to contribute. Services are funded in part by the Administration for Community Living, New York State Office for the Aging, and the Dutchess County Office for the Aging. |
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