Nutrition Services

Home Delivered Meals

Within SVCOA’s Nutrition Program is the well-known Meals on Wheels initiative, which SVCOA administers locally in southwestern Vermont. SVCOA’s Meals on Wheels effort provides hundreds of thousands of healthy, nutritious meals to older Vermonters each year – including both home-delivered and community-based meals. Not only do these meals play an integral role in supporting those who are most nutritionally insecure, but they also provide a range of additional benefits that can be equally important. With each home-delivered meal comes a general health and wellness check, as well as social interaction that is valued by both meal recipients and Meals on Wheels volunteers.

Meals on Wheels depends on participant contributions to help support the program. Voluntary contributions are encouraged, although no one is denied a meal due to the inability to donate. Family members can donate on behalf of an individual (please contact your local provider).

Any person is eligible who is age 60 or over and is unable to obtain or prepare meals on a temporary or permanent basis due to a physical, mental or cognitive condition that requires assistance to leave home.

• Also eligible are the spouse, regardless of age, of eligible individuals receiving Home Delivered Meals (HDM); and individuals under 60 years of age with a disability, who reside with an eligible individual receiving HDM

Preference will be given to individuals who are low-income, minority, limited English proficiency and at risk for institutional placement.

Therapeutic Meals

Did you know that we offer therapeutic meals? Therapeutic meal options demonstrate our commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs and health conditions, ensuring all members of our community can enjoy nutritious and suitable meals.  Below are some examples of available therapeutic meal options.  For more information please call our toll-free, confidential helpline at 1-800-642-5119 to learn more

Therapeutic Meal Options:

Regular/Heart Healthy: These meals are designed to support heart health, featuring less than 800 mg of sodium and less than 15 g of fat per meal, while avoiding trans fats to promote overall wellness.

Diabetic: Tailored to help manage blood sugar levels, our meals provide a consistent carbohydrate content with no more than 75 mg of carbohydrates per meal, ideal for those managing diabetes.

Renal-Friendly: Specifically crafted for individuals with kidney health considerations, these meals contain less than 1000 mg of potassium and sodium, with fluid intake limited to 240 cc per meal, including milk.

Lactose-Free: For those with lactose intolerance, we offer meals free from all lactose-containing ingredients, while providing lactose-free alternatives such as milk and cheese.

Gluten-Free: Safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, our meals exclude all sources of gluten, including wheat, barley, and rye.

Vegetarian (Lacto-Ovo): This option includes milk, cheese, and eggs, which are suitable for those who do not consume meat but include some animal products in their diet.

Texture Options:

• Regular: No modifications, offering a variety of standard meals.
• Mechanical Soft: Features fork-tender foods, including chopped meats, for those with difficulty chewing.
• Puree: Provides meals pureed to the consistency of smooth oatmeal, ideal for individuals with swallowing difficulties.

Community Meals

Community meals for older Vermonters are happening at dozens of easily accessible public meal sites across Bennington and Rutland counties. SVCOA provides a nutritious meal, a chance for attendees to socialize, and most meal sites also offer extra activities like guest speakers during mealtime, or wellness activities. Our meal sites range from community centers and town halls to senior housing facilities, restaurants, and even a fire station. Depending on where you are in Southwestern Vermont you will find a place to enjoy a hot meal and good company.

All programs are donation-based for eligible participants (see eligibility criteria below). The suggested donation for community/congregate meal sites ranges from $3.50 - $5.00.

Any person is eligible who is age 60 and over and their spouse of any age. In addition, the following individuals are also eligible;

• People with disabilities under age 60 who reside in community housing occupied primarily by older adults where congregate meals are served.
• People with disabilities who reside and accompany a person age 60 and older to a Congregate Nutrition Program Services site. 
• Nutrition Services Program volunteers, under the age of 60, may be offered a meal if doing so will not deprive an adult over the age of 60 of a meal.  

Under the age of 60? No problem, non-eligible participants will be charged the set fee of $4.00 - $6.00 per meal.  For a complete list of locations and more information please call our Helpline at 1-800-642-5119

2025 Older Adults Guide to Dining in Rutland and Bennington

Nutrition Counseling

In addition to home-delivered and congregate meals, SVCOA employs a registered dietician who provides personalized nutrition counseling to older Vermonters, as well as general nutrition presentations to various community groups.

Nutrition counseling is an ongoing process in which a Registered Dietitian works with an individual to assess his or her dietary habits and nutrition-related health concerns, as well as identify the client's goals and then discuss with them the best way for them to meet/achieve these goals.

To sign up for or learn more about any of SVCOA’s various Nutrition services, call the SVCOA HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119.

Nutrition Education Resources