DISH Program Seeks to Include Additional Restaurants

LIMA, OH – The Area Agency on Aging 3’s DISH program would like to add more restaurants to increase selection to the current listing of dining choices.

The DISH Program allows individuals a different way to get a nutritional meal and provides for socialization which helps to combat isolation of older adults.

With a larger number of older adults taking part in the DISH program, it is important to continue to provide choices for the participants. DISH stands for Dining to Improve Socialization and Health and the Area Agency on Aging 3 would like to continue to reinforce the focus of the program by adding new restaurants. Restaurants can be traditional or non-traditional such as college/university campus dining, local community civic organizations such as Veterans associations (AMVETS/VFW), hospital cafeterias, bar and grills, cafés, and much more!

The debit card program can be used at restaurants in the agency’s service area which includes the following counties: Allen, Auglaize, Putnam, Hardin, Hancock, Mercer, and Van Wert. Each month 6 meal credits are automatically deposited onto the debit card for the carrier to use. The DISH program is funded by the Older Americans Act and voluntary donations.

Currently there are approximately 11 restaurants that participate in the program. With over 1,500 individuals being served more dining sites are needed especially specific to Hardin, Mercer, and Van Wert counties.

To find out how to become part of the DISH Program, please contact Mary Steele, Director of Compliance and Oversight, at 419-879-1851 or email at msteele@psa3.org.