Secretary Osborne Visits Pittston Active Adult Center To Discuss Senior Programs, Highlight SNAP, Recognize National Senior Center Month

PITTSTON, Pa., Sept. 28, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne joined dozens of local seniors, officials, and the Weinberg Food Bank today at the Pittston Active Older Adult Center to discuss the array of programs available to Pennsylvania's aging populations at centers like theirs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The visit also celebrated National Senior Center Month and National Hunger Action Month. 

Each year, more than 100,000 older Pennsylvanians visit the more than 500 Senior Community Centers across the commonwealth. To encourage older adults to take advantage of services and programs at their local centers, the Department of Aging has joined the National Council on Aging to ensure that older Pennsylvanians take full advantage of everything that senior centers have to offer.

Today, Secretary Osborne spoke at the center as part of an event to promote SNAP registration, to share information about other forms of available assistance to older Pennsylvanians, and to visit with attendees. In addition, the Weinberg Food Bank provided nutrition information and SNAP registration assistance.

"Senior Centers play a vital role in the community by providing nutritious meals along with access to services and programs that support wellness, foster socialization, and promote prevention," said Secretary Osborne. "Today we are recognizing the role that senior centers play in helping older adults continue to thrive in their community. We are also here to educate our seniors and their loved ones about the benefits of SNAP, including using SNAP to pay for nutritious food, which can make a huge impact on an older adult's ability to manage a chronic condition and remain independent."

Governor Wolf and Secretary Osborne remain committed to ensuring that Pennsylvania seniors have more choices as they age. Read more about Governor Wolf's senior plan here.

Senior Community Centers provide adults over the age of 60 and their spouses with everything from nutritious meals to instructional classes on health, fitness, wellness, art, technology, legal assistance, and more. Centers also offer social and recreational opportunities including travel tours, games, seasonal events, volunteer and civic engagement opportunities, and information and assistance to help seniors navigate the array of services available in their community. For information on local Senior Community Centers, visit aging.pa.gov/SCC.

Media Contact: Kirstin Snow, 717-787-3368

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us