The Northampton County Council on Dec. 18, 2025 approved a resolution endorsing a contract with Metz Culinary Management, LLC to serve as the Area Agency on Aging’s congregate meal provider.

The contract term is five years with four additional one‑year renewal options. Staff estimated annual cost at approximately $430,000, and meeting remarks noted that 22 firms accessed the procurement bid while one firm submitted a bid. The council concurred with the county executive’s recommendation and approved the resolution by a unanimous 9–0 vote.

During the same session the council adopted several resolutions accepting donations for senior services and Gracedale residents: a $745 donation from Lehigh Valley Aging in Place for activities at county senior centers; authorization to accept ongoing holiday‑gift donations to distribute to Northampton County seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts; a $3,991.83 donation from the Friends of Gracedale Foundation to buy Christmas gifts for Gracedale residents; and a $500 donation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Lehigh Valley chapter, to be divided among veteran personal fund accounts at Gracedale. Each donation resolution passed by unanimous vote (9–0).

Council members recorded the bid‑access and single‑bid count during the contract discussion; no formal protest or challenge was raised during the meeting. The council clerk also reminded members of an administrative item: group photos scheduled prior to the Jan. 8 meeting.

What happens next: The Metz contract, now endorsed by council, will proceed through administrative contracting steps managed by county staff; donations will be accepted and distributed by the Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging and Gracedale administration as authorized by the resolutions.