See a full list of activities and programs happening in March at the Somerset County-operated senior wellness centers.

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – While the nation is recognizing National Nutrition Month in March, many older adults do not have access to enough nutritious food. According to the National Council on Aging, seven million Americans who are ages 60 years and older did not have an adequate supply of food in 2022. Recent data reported by Feeding America, shows almost 161,000 older adults living in New Jersey did not have adequate sustenance within the past few years.

Individuals without access to sufficient nutrition have a greater risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and mental health problems. The causes of lack of food among older adults are complex and multi-faceted. Poor health conditions can make it difficult for seniors to go grocery shopping and cook, especially for those who live alone. Other obstacles include limited access to transportation, and a fixed income that does not sufficiently offset the cost of inflation and high food prices.

One solution for older adults is to participate in congregate meals at their local senior center. At all county-operated senior wellness centers, Monday through Friday, attendees have access to four healthy daily menu choices with a small, suggested donation of $2.50 for residents ages 60 years and over. The diverse menu features many popular dishes and includes a choice of hot meat-based or meatless entrées or cold meat-based or meatless boxed lunches. To participate in congregate lunches, seniors must make reservations by 10 a.m. on the previous business day.

Senior wellness center volunteers pack and deliver Home Delivered Meals for homebound residents. “The county is very proud of our Home Delivered Meals program. For almost fifty years, volunteers have delivered a total of 95,000 meals to seniors and people with disabilities,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul M. Drake, liaison to the Office on Aging and Disabilities Services. “Even during bad weather and the pandemic, clients still had meals.”

A grateful Home Delivered Meal client said, “Thank you so much for providing me with nutritious lunches during my recovery at home. The meals helped alleviate some of the logistical issues I faced while homebound.”

“Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists have developed congregate meal and Home Delivered Meals menus based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The menus at the senior centers have been tailored specifically to meet one-third of the daily nutritional requirements for older adults, and we have been told the meals are tasty,” said Nutrition and Wellness Administrator Sheetal Bhatia, M.S., M.P.H., R.D.N. “We also provide interesting and fun educational nutrition activities and presentations.”

Senior Wellness Centers Celebrate National Nutrition Month in March
This year the theme for National Nutrition Month is “Food Connects Us” to convey the importance of food and community, learning about the origin of ingredients, and how food affects health.

“During National Nutrition Month, we are featuring special programs including discussions about food, culture, and other nutrition for brain health,” Bhatia said.

About National Nutrition Month
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics started National Nutrition Month® more than 50 years ago. It began in 1973 as National Nutrition Week and became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition.

The six county-operated senior centers are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hybrid and Virtual Program Guidelines
Hybrid programs are available in person with an instructor or via Zoom. Participants can join Zoom programs through a web browser without downloading applications or software, but a camera (audio and video) is required for all Zoom programs.

For more information about the Somerset County-operated senior wellness centers, call the Office on Aging and Disability Services at 908-704-6346, toll-free at 1-888-747-1122, or email OfficeAging@co.somerset.nj.us.

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About Somerset County
The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.