Everyone is welcome at the several “Food and Friendship” centers in St. Lawrence County, to meet, socialize, and enjoy a good meal, and eligible seniors who can’t make it to the centers can get meals delivered.

There are eight Food and Friendship Centers that offer older adults a well-balanced meal with socialization opportunities. The are in Brasher Falls, Canton, DeKalb Junction, Edwards, Ogdensburg, Morristown, Potsdam and Star Lake. All serve lunch at noon, except for Brasher Falls and Canton, which start at 11:30 a.m.

A suggested meal donation of $3 for seniors 60 years and over is encouraged. All meal contributions help to support the continuation of the nutrition program for many St. Lawrence County Seniors.

No senior will be denied a meal due to the inability to pay. Individuals under 60 years of age are also welcome; the required fee for meals for individuals under 60 years is $5. To help ensure that there are enough meals, they request that people call at least 24 hours in advance for reservations.

To increase the ability to serve more senior citizens in need of nutritious meals, Office for the Aging operates a “Home Delivered Meal Program” for people 60 years and older who are homebound and unable to go to the Food and Friendship Centers.

All meals are planned and approved by a registered dietitian; the meals are heart-healthy and meet one-third of the recommended daily allowances of nutrients. Staff, with the assistance of volunteers, prepare and deliver meals five days a week, Monday through Friday.

If you would like to become a Nutrition Program Volunteer, contact St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging Meals Program Manager, Diana McCormick at 386-4730.

Senior activities at the Food and Friendship Centers include educational sessions provided by the nutrition program’s registered dietitian and St. Lawrence County Public Heath Department. Other community agencies provide information such as health and wellness topics.

Office for the Aging Staff is receptive to suggestions from seniors and works on incorporating them into the operation of the centers.

“I like to get out and socialize with my friends. I like the meals a lot. The meals are good. I like most everything they serve but today’s was especially good, it was lasagna,” said Beverly Bullis, a senior from Canton Food and Friendship Center.

St. Lawrence County Food and Friendship Centers include:

• Brasher Falls, LBSH Housing, Church Street, 389-5100

• Canton, Canton Housing, 37 Riverside Drive, 386-2580

• DeKalb Junction, Sunrise Valley Apartments, 347-3079

• Edwards, Senior Courts Apartments, serving Gouverneur also, 562-3797

• Ogdensburg, Centennial Apartments, 393-9133

• Morristown, Fire Hall, 375-6703

• Potsdam, Midtown Apartments, 265-2870

• Star Lake, Community Center, 848-2390

For more info, call St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging, 386-4730.

The Nutrition Program is supported by the Administration on Aging, New York State Office for the Aging, and Saint Lawrence County.