The Berks County Area Agency on Aging celebrated the implementation of its enhanced Home-Delivered Meals Program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday at the Reading Senior Center.
The Aug. 10 event highlighted the expansion of nutrition services for older adults and recognized the collaboration between the Area Agency on Aging, Berks Encore, Boyertown Area Multi-Service, the Hispanic Center of Reading and Berks County, and Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank.
The Home-Delivered Meals Program transitioned earlier this summer to frozen meals delivered twice each week. The program provides eligible homebound older adults with nutritious, dietitian-approved meals.
According to the agency, the new format provides greater flexibility, improves meal safety and increases service reliability during inclement weather and other unexpected disruptions.
The event also highlighted nutrition services offered through Berks County’s eight senior centers. Each weekday, adults age 60 and older can receive nutritionally balanced meals at no cost at senior centers throughout the county.
Berks Encore and Helping Harvest provide meals at six senior centers, while Boyertown Area Multi-Service and the Hispanic Center operate and serve meals at their respective centers. In addition to meals, the centers provide recreational activities, educational programs, wellness opportunities and opportunities for social engagement.
“Good nutrition is essential to healthy aging, but so are opportunities to stay connected with others,” said Jessica Jones, director of the Berks County Area Agency on Aging. “Our meal programs not only ensure older adults have access to nutritious food, they also foster friendships, reduce social isolation, and help individuals maintain their independence. We’re proud to work alongside our community partners to provide these valuable services throughout Berks County.”
The Area Agency on Aging primarily funds the nutrition programs through Pennsylvania Lottery proceeds dedicated to programs benefiting older Pennsylvanians. The agency contracts with Berks Encore, Boyertown Area Multi-Service, the Hispanic Center of Reading and Berks County, and Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank to provide the services.
The Home-Delivered Meals Program is available to Berks County residents age 60 and older who have difficulty preparing meals or leaving their homes. Congregate meals at the county’s senior centers are also available to eligible older adults.
More information about the programs and eligibility is available by contacting the Berks County Area Agency on Aging at 610-478-6500 or visiting the county’s website.
