Congregate Meals

Description:

Congregate Meals are offered at meal sites for Seniors and/or the disabled in some communities. The congregate setting provides opportunities for socialization and companionship. It also offers programs related to nutrition education, exercise activities, health promotion and disease prevention. Some programs also offer meals on weekends. Transportation is often available for those who have trouble getting around on their own.

There is a suggested donation at many congregate meal sites, but no senior is turned away because of an inability to pay.

Benefits:

Meal sites offer prepared hot meals as well as opportunities for social activities. Meals are developed by a nutritionist, and many communities offer special menus including diabetic, kosher, and Spanish foods.

Eligibility:

To be eligible to receive congregate meals you or your spouse must be 60 years or older. You also may be eligible if you are handicapped or disabled under the ago of 60, and live in housing facilities primarily occupied by the eldery, where congregate meals are served.

Application:

To attend a congregate meal facility, you must call 24 hours ahead to reserve a meal.

To find meal sites in Boston, check the Community Cafes list from Ethos. To find meal sites in other areas, see Massachusetts Elderly Nutrition Program Sites or contact your local Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) for a referral.

Diverse Senior Meal Sites in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts - at this writing the list includes Vietnamese, Portuguese, Indian, Haitian/Caribbean, Kosher, Hispanict/Latinx, Chinese and LGBT (6/20)

Useful Links:

1-800-AGEINFO - Resources for Massachusetts Elders