DELHI — Delaware County currently contracts Delaware Opportunities, Inc. to provide nutrition services to Delaware County residents 60 years or older and their spouses. The program operates six congregate meal sites as well as home delivered meals for those seniors that cannot make it to a meal site. The program is funded through state and federal subsidies, the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, and donations. Recent contract discussions have led to a review of the program and alternatives to the current way Senior Meals is administered. Delaware County is committed to providing the highest quality nutrition for our senior population, keeping meal sites throughout the county, and supporting home delivery where needed.
During the most recent contract negotiations with Delaware Opportunities, Inc., we have determined the costs associated with contracting the service out is not sustainable based on previous year’s budget increases. Today, the Delaware County Board of Supervisors Office for the Aging (OFA) oversight committee met to discuss the contract issues and possible resolutions. The committee moved to provide for a pro-rated contract with Delaware Opportunities, Inc., set to expire on December 31, 2026,then starting in 2027 the Senior Meals program would be administered through the county rather than contracted to a third party. In the event this is not agreeable to Delaware Opportunities Inc., and they cease administration of the program immediately, Delaware County has developed a plan to continue the service without interruption as a County-run program.
The County would provide Senior Meals through a food service provider that can prepare hot, home cooked, nutritionally balanced meals for the same donation as is currently offered at all six congregate meal sites. Home deliveries will remain the same and all current employees of the Senior Meals program will have the opportunity to apply to continue working with Senior Meals as a county employee. The only change would be the direct administration as a County-run program.
Beginning in 2027 Delaware County will include Senior Meals as a fixed line item in the overall county budget, through the OFA. The full program staffing, costs, meal site operations, home delivery costs, and administration will be accounted for and no longer left to a third-party contract. The same state and federal programs will continue to support senior nutrition and will be used to offset the direct cost of the program as part of the County budget. Delaware County senior nutrition programs are a priority of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors’, and our efforts are to ensure no meals will be missed as we make this transition.
