AMHERST, N.Y. — Russell Ponivas lives in Amherst, Erie County. The 88-year-old has lived there all his life.

He's been going to the senior center there about four or five days a week for more than 20 years to socialize with others.

What You Need To Know

  •  March in nutrition month across the U.S.

  •  New York state has the largest senior nutrition program in the nation

  • The dining sites are almost at pre-pandemic levels, as the home delivered meal program continues to thrive

"As far as having friends and so forth, I find them here," Ponivas said. "This is where our social life starts."

The center's dining area is one of more than 830 congregate meal sites across the state, back at almost pre-pandemic attendance levels for seniors like Ponivas there for lunch, but to enjoy more than just a balanced meal.

"Both my wife and I are up in age. As we get older, we find out that cooking becomes somewhat of a chore and it's far more than just the food," said Ponivas.

State and county senior services leaders are on hand to help serve and prepare home-delivered meals, as part of the annual March for Meals event.

"To get people connecting with their community members, with their neighbors. Finding common interests and keeping that mental wellness," said Angela Marinucci, commissioner of Erie County Senior Services.

It also highlights the nation's largest nutrition program, complete with a large volunteer base, nutrition education and counseling.

"[It's an] absolute critical program because food is medicine. You combat social isolation," said Greg Olsen, director of the New York State Office for the Aging. "There's a lot of friendships, exercise programs and so many other things it offers to bring people out of their home and get together with others."

That's just what Ponivas and his friends need.

"If you don't socialize, you become lonely," he said. "You really have to get out and meet the people and live your life. You only have one life to live, so live it."

State leaders say since 1975, the State Office for the Aging has served more than one billion meals to more than 10 million older adults.