Baltimore County’s ‘No Senior Eats Alone Day’ set for Sept. 11 with countywide meals, center events and restaurant partners

Baltimore County will observe No Senior Eats Alone Day on Sept. 11 with senior-center events, meal programs and restaurant partners aimed at reducing isolation among residents age 60 and older, Baltimore County Department of Aging Director Young Tan said in an interview.

The countywide event builds on the department’s ongoing Eating Together program, which provides nutritious, planned meals and social connections for older adults. “When people eat together, they’re more likely to stay socially connected and the connection has real health benefits,” Director Young Tan said. “It’s not just about food. It’s about coming together. It’s about community.”

The Eating Together program serves meals at senior centers and community locations across Baltimore County. According to Tan, each meal is designed to supply about one-third of the recommended daily nutrition and menus are reviewed by a registered dietitian. Select sites offer kosher meals; the program suggests a $4 donation per meal or $5 for kosher meals but does not turn anyone away for inability to pay.

For No Senior Eats Alone Day specifically, the Department of Aging plans a mix of in-person and outreach options. Tan said EMS personnel will deliver special meals to homebound residents, Meals on Wheels will support volunteers and distribute activity sheets, and the county’s OPALS virtual programming will allow some residents to join remotely. The department’s ombudsman program will visit long-term care facilities to host conversations and activities.

Individual senior centers are scheduling local activities: Tan said the Liberty Center will offer Zumba, the Bikota Center will host arts-and-crafts under the name “No Senior Crafts Alone,” Hereford Center will offer a petting zoo, and 7 Oaks will hold a dance party. The county is also partnering with animal services for a “lunch-and-learn”-style presentation at select sites.

The county has enlisted local restaurants to host specials and events that evening for residents who can meet at dinnertime; Tan said the list of participating restaurants is growing and available on the Baltimore County government website. Officials are encouraging attendees to share event photos on social media using the hashtag #NoSeniorEatsAloneDay2025.

The interview also highlighted related outreach: the Department of Aging is accepting entries for a creative arts contest through Friday, Sept. 12; contest rules and submission details are available by phone at (410) 887-2002. The department thanked the Community College of Baltimore County for hosting the Power of Age Expo and noted the expo will continue with a showcase on Oct. 29.

Attendees at the expo offered informal reactions to the event and to the county’s programming. An expo attendee said, “I come here because I find excellent information about retirees, programs, and plans that might enhance or help me with being my family.” Another attendee said the event offered many vendor conversations and social opportunities for newly retired people.

No formal policy changes, votes or budget actions were announced in the interview. Director Tan described program operations, partners and planned activities rather than proposing new legislation or appropriations.

For more information on No Senior Eats Alone Day activities, participating restaurants and the Eating Together program, Baltimore County residents can consult the county website or call the Department of Aging at (410) 887-2002.