Albany County Daniel P. Executive McCoy Announces Innovative “Go & Dine” Program For Seniors

Albany County Daniel P. Executive McCoy announced “Go & Dine,” an innovative program sponsored by the Albany County Department for Aging in collaboration with Erie County.  The program is designed to provide older adults with the  opportunity to have Breakfast, Lunch, or Supper at a participating  Albany County restaurant. Seniors will use a key tag and a voucher to eat at these places for free – from a special menu designed to be healthy and delicious at the same time. They can do this four times a month in addition to having meals at congregate meal sites. This program actually takes the congregate meal option to the next level.
 
“Social isolation is a serious problem with studies showing that half of those over 60 years old are at risk of social isolation,” said County Executive McCoy. “That means they don’t have regular contact with family, friends or the outside world and a third of all seniors will experience it at some point in their lives. Social isolation can lead to both health and mental health problems. With nearly 68,000 seniors making their homes in Albany County, “Go & Dine” is one way for our seniors to interact with people in the community and have a healthy meal at the same time.”
 
Participants must be 60 years or older and a an Albany County resident. The menu is prix fixe  in accordance with the Innovations in Nutrition grant.  Each restaurant will offer specific items from which to choose.  Seniors must complete a registration form with the Albany County Department for Aging to get the vouchers. Any bar service and gratuity will be paid by the participant and there is no take-out service since interaction with others is part of the program. Diners are invited to take home any part of the meal that is left-over.
 
Participating restaurants include:
 
Bethlehem Chamber member Emma Cleary’s 1926 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands
Tesoro’s- 2080 Western Avenue, Guilderland
Elevation Burger – 664 New Loudon Road, Latham
Lazeez – 35 Central Avenue, Albany
Shaker Pointe Restaurant – One Bell Tower Drive, Watervliet
Hungerford Market and Café – 106 Maple Avenue, Altamont
Martel’s – 65 O’Neil Road, Albany
Trackside Pizza and More - Coeymans
Bob’s Diner, 929 19th Street, Watervliet
 
Seniors interested in registering should call the Department for Aging at 518 447-7198 for information.