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Office for the Aging hires registered dietitians and outlines plan to increase New York product in meals
Summary
Columbia County Office for the Aging introduced two registered dietitians and described plans to increase use of New York food products in senior meal programs under Executive Order 32; the committee approved a request to fill a vacant cook position.
The Columbia County Office for the Aging on March 18 introduced two registered dietitians — Lynn Hart and Juanita Bridal — who will help revise menus, review participant feedback and pursue use of local and state-produced foods in the county's senior nutrition program.
Hart and Bridal told the committee they will assess menus, conduct tastings, work with local cooks and vendors and align meal planning with state nutrition regulations and program instructions. The dietitians outlined New York State Executive Order 32 procurement goals the county will pursue: a baseline share of New York products of 5% in 2023, 15% in 2024, 20% in 2025, 25% in 2026 and 30% in 2027. Staff said the target is measured by dollars spent on eligible New York products and that produce and dairy were promising local sources; meat purchases may be more expensive locally.
The committee approved a request to fill a vacant cook position for the Office for the Aging. Staff described ongoing menu review and compliance with state dietary guidance (including sodium and temperature rules) and said they will work to expand local purchasing and engage small farms for produce and dairy supply.
The dietitians also said they would review feedback from meal-site participants and pilot changes such as replacing instant mashed potato product with whole potatoes. Office staff emphasized the regulatory requirements that govern meal nutrient content and food-temperature handling as part of state oversight of senior nutrition programs.
