Mercer County Nutrition Center (Samuel Naples Senior Center) – Trenton, NJ

Mercer County Nutrition Program for Older Adults

The Mercer County Nutrition Center, located at the Samuel Naples Senior Center on Chestnut Avenue, is a vital community resource operated by the Mercer County Office on Aging. This facility serves as a congregate meal site designed to promote the health and independence of older adults aged 60 and over. As part of the broader Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), the center provides a welcoming environment where seniors can enjoy a hot, nutritious midday meal while engaging in social activities and connecting with essential government services.

Congregate Meal Services

The core service of the center is the daily provision of balanced meals that meet at least one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for older adults. The program operates under specific guidelines:

• Nutritional Balance: Meals are planned by a qualified nutritionist to ensure they are healthy and diverse.
• Donation Policy: While there is no mandatory cost for the meal, participants are encouraged to make a suggested voluntary donation (typically $1.00) to help sustain the program. No eligible senior is denied a meal due to an inability to contribute.
• Socialization: Beyond food, the center combats social isolation by offering a shared space for conversation, recreational activities, and educational workshops.

Accessibility and Transport

The Samuel Naples Senior Center is accessible to residents across Trenton. For those unable to drive or use public transit, the county’s TRADE (Transportation Resources to Aid the Disadvantaged and Elderly) service may provide curb-to-curb transportation to and from the center. The facility is wheelchair accessible and equipped to assist seniors with varying levels of mobility.

Registration and Requirements

First-time visitors are required to register with the program. This simple process collects basic information to ensure eligibility (age 60+ or spouse of an eligible participant). The center also serves as an information hub where seniors can learn about other county benefits, such as home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels), utility assistance, and pharmaceutical aid programs.