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).

A person is eligible for Meals on Wheels:

If the individual is age 60 or over and unable to obtain or prepare meals on a temporary or permanent basis due to:

• a physical or mental condition
• lack of or inadequacy of facilities
• inability to shop, cook or prepare meals safely

Also eligible:

• Also eligible are the spouse, regardless of age, of eligible individuals; and individuals under 60 years of age with a disability, who reside with an eligible individual.

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

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.

A person is eligible if they are:

• 60 years of age or older

• Handicapped or disabled and living in a housing facility where a meal program is operated

• Non-Senior volunteer performing essential duties for the operation of the meal program

• OR The spouse of an eligible recipient regardless of age

Under the age of 60? No problem, non-eligible participants will be charged the set fee of $4.00 - $6.00 per meal.

Bennington & Rutland Dining Guide

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