COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Home-delivered meals are helping older adults in Otsego County stay healthy and independent.
The Office for the Aging delivers meals every week to residents aged 60 or older who are homebound, unable to cook and do not have family support.
Tamie Reed, director of the Otsego County Office for the Aging, said, “The drivers of our home delivery meal program are critical because not only are we getting a nutritious meal out to them, we are able to check in on them and make sure that they’re safe, make sure that they have what they need, and so it’s a communication line as well.”
We joined driver Michael Riley on his route to see how a typical delivery works.
Diana Peterson, a Cooperstown resident, said, “It makes me feel very confident that I’m able to live alone at my age.”
Riley often spends a few minutes chatting with each resident to make sure they are doing well.
Margaret Walrath said, “It’s very important to be still independent.” She added, “It’s just been a lifesaver for me to be able to maintain this home.”
Peterson said, “It’s nice to have someone stop by once a week to deliver the meals, and also, we usually talk for maybe 2 or 3 minutes. I don’t keep them long because I know they’re busy.”
Meals are also delivered to dining centers, including one in Richfield Springs, where some seniors gather for both food and social time.
Nancy Strongreen, a Richfield Springs resident, said, “I just like company. When you’re by yourself you really need company, you know and it’s just a joy being around people.”
Anyone interested in the March for Meals Program can call the Otsego County Office for the Aging for more information.
The New York State Office for the Aging is highlighting the March for Meals Program that delivers nutritious meals to the aging population.
