Senior Lunches Are On The Table Again In Brookhaven After Covid Hiatus

MASTIC, NY — When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Brookhaven Town's senior centers that offered daily meals went dark, leaving many on fixed incomes not only without a nutritious mid-day meal, but also social engagement.

This Sunday, the town's Congregate Meal Program will return after an over two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The popular program, which provides residents over 60 with lunch and the opportunity to participate in a variety of social, recreational, and educational activities, is open to all regardless of income.

There is only a suggested voluntary and anonymous contribution of $2 for lunch.

The town’s two nutrition sites are:

• Bay Area Senior Nutrition Program, Mastic Recreation Center, 15 Herkimer St., Mastic
• No. Shore Senior Nutrition Program, Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Rte. 25A, Mt. Sinai

Seniors who participated in the program received a home delivered meal through the town's enhanced Home Delivered Meal Program, which was providing about 500 meals a day at the height of the pandemic.

The program is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and transportation is available for those who qualify. As per state law, masks must be worn by those taking public transportation. Those who do not have a mask, will be provided one.

There is a suggested voluntary and anonymous contribution of $1 for transportation.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Suffolk County's Office for the Aging, provide funding through the state's Office for the Aging. For more information about Brookhaven’s Senior Division's services, call 631-451-9191.