Delaware County Weighs Shift to County-Run Senior Meals Program Amid Contract Concerns

Delaware County officials are considering a transition to a county-run senior meals program after determining that the current contract with Delaware Opportunities, Inc. is no longer financially sustainable.

The county currently contracts with Delaware Opportunities, Inc. to provide nutrition services to residents age 60 and older and their spouses. The program includes six congregate meal sites and home-delivered meals for seniors unable to travel. Funding comes from state and federal subsidies, county support and donations.

Recent contract negotiations prompted a broader review of the program and how it is administered. In a press release, county officials said rising costs tied to the existing contract structure have exceeded what the county can sustain based on prior budget increases.

At a recent meeting, the Delaware County Board of Supervisors Office for the Aging oversight committee discussed options and advanced a proposal to continue a prorated contract with Delaware Opportunities, Inc. through Dec. 31, 2026. Beginning in 2027, the county would take over administration of the Senior Meals program.

Officials said that if Delaware Opportunities, Inc. does not agree to the prorated contract and ends its role sooner, the county has developed a plan to continue services without interruption under county management.

Under the proposed county-run model, meals would be prepared by a food service provider offering hot, nutritionally balanced meals at the same donation rate currently charged at all six meal sites. Home-delivered services would remain unchanged.

County officials also said current Senior Meals program employees would have the opportunity to apply for positions as county employees if the transition occurs.

Starting in 2027, the program would be included as a fixed line item in the county budget through the Office for the Aging. Costs associated with staffing, meal site operations, home delivery and administration would be managed directly by the county rather than through a third-party contract. State and federal funding streams would continue to help offset program costs.

County officials said maintaining uninterrupted service is a priority as discussions continue.

However, when reached for comment, Dr. Shelly L. Bartow, Executive Director of Delaware Opportunities, said via email that the organization “found out about this plan the same way everyone else did, in the paper this morning.”

Image: The Delaware Opportunities office in Hamden, NY. (Delaware Opportunities Facebook)