Nutrition Services

Nutrition aid and guidance, personalized for you.
SVCOA will work with you to provide guidance or a personalized meal plan that is designed to fit your specific needs. Please contact us if you have any questions about our nutrition services.
As part of SVCOA’s Nutrition Program, Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to older adults throughout southwestern Vermont. Each year, we provide hundreds of thousands of healthy meals—both home-delivered and served at community meal sites.
Meals on Wheels is more than just food—it’s also:
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A daily wellness check
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Friendly social interaction
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Critical support for those who are nutritionally insecure or homebound
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify for home-delivered Meals on Wheels if you:
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Are 60 or older
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Cannot prepare meals on your own due to a physical, mental, or cognitive condition
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Need help leaving your home
Other eligible individuals include:
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The spouse of a qualifying older adult (regardless of age)
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An individual under 60 with a disability, living with someone who qualifies for Meals on Wheels
Priority is given to those who are:
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Low-income
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A racial or ethnic minority
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Limited English speakers
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At risk for institutional placement
Contributions
While there is no cost for Meals on Wheels, voluntary contributions are encouraged and appreciated.
No one will ever be denied a meal because of an inability to donate.
Family members are welcome to contribute on behalf of a loved one—just contact your local Meals on Wheels provider for details.
SVCOA offers therapeutic meal options through Meals on Wheels to support the diverse health and dietary needs of our community. These meals are specially designed to help individuals manage specific health conditions—while still enjoying nutritious, balanced food.
For more information, call our confidential helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
Available Therapeutic Meal Options
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Regular / Heart Healthy
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Less than 800 mg sodium
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Less than 15 g fat
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No trans fats
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Designed to support overall heart health
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Diabetic-Friendly
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No more than 75 mg of carbohydrates per meal
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Helps maintain consistent blood sugar levels
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Renal-Friendly
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Less than 1000 mg of potassium and sodium
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Fluid intake limited to 240 cc per meal (includes milk)
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Designed for individuals managing kidney conditions
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Lactose-Free
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Free of all lactose-containing ingredients
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Includes lactose-free options like milk and cheese
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Gluten-Free
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Safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
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Excludes wheat, barley, rye, and other gluten sources
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Vegetarian (Lacto-Ovo)
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Includes milk, cheese, and eggs
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No meat or seafood
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Looking for a great meal and great company?
SVCOA hosts Community Meals at public sites throughout Bennington and Rutland counties. These meals offer:
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A nutritious lunch
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Opportunities to socialize
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Additional activities like guest speakers and wellness programs
Meal sites include:
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Community centers
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Town halls
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Senior housing communities
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Local restaurants
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Even a fire station!
Wherever you are in southwestern Vermont, there's likely a welcoming meal site nearby.
Cost & Donations
Community meals are donation-based for eligible participants.
The suggested donation ranges from $3.50 to $5.00 per meal.
Not eligible? No problem—non-eligible guests are welcome and simply pay a set fee of $4.00 to $6.00 per meal.
Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible to receive community meals at no cost if you are:
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Age 60 or older, or the spouse of someone 60+ (regardless of your age)
You may also be eligible if you are:
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A person with a disability under 60 living in community housing primarily for older adults
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A person with a disability under 60 who accompanies an eligible adult to a meal site
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A Nutrition Services Program volunteer under 60, if meals are available after serving eligible adults
Want to Join Us?
For a full list of meal site locations and times,
call our confidential Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
SVCOA offers personalized nutrition counseling for older adults, provided by a Registered Dietitian. In addition to one-on-one support, our dietitian also presents general nutrition information to community groups across Bennington and Rutland counties.
What Is Nutrition Counseling?
Nutrition counseling is an ongoing, collaborative process. Our Registered Dietitian works directly with individuals to:
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Review dietary habits and nutrition-related health concerns
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Identify personal health and wellness goals
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Develop realistic strategies to meet those goals
This service is tailored to support each person’s unique needs—whether it’s managing a medical condition, improving eating habits, or navigating dietary restrictions.
Get Started
To learn more or sign up for nutrition counseling or any other SVCOA Nutrition services,
call our confidential HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119.
Nutrition Education Resources
The HelpLine is a toll-free, confidential service that provides older Vermonters, caregivers and others with information, referrals and assistance toward accessing local, state or national resources and services.