BELLEFONTE — Centre County Commissioners approved two initiatives this week aimed at supporting the county’s senior population.

One of the measures was a three-year agreement with Frey’s Commissary, Inc. to continue providing meals through the county’s Aging Meals Program, which provides congregate, in-home and shelf-stable meals for senior residents of Centre County.

Under the multi-year contract, which spans from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2028, the county will pay $6.98 per meal for both congregate and in-home services, and $5.39 per meal for shelf-stable options.

Frey’s Commissary has been serving the region for nearly 50 years. In that time, the company has prepared more than 18 million meals, many of which have been delivered to seniors in nearby counties, including Clinton, Lycoming, Union and Snyder.

The Montoursville-based operation makes all its meals from scratch in collaboration with a registered dietitian to create a menu of unique and carefully crafted dishes.

These menus can accommodate various dietary needs, such as low cholesterol, renal-friendly, pureed, gluten-free and vegetarian among others, a feature that Commissioner Amber Concepcion said she found particularly impressive.

“Frey’s has a lot more options available than the other bid, and it was also a little less money,” said Commissioner Mark Higgins, who approved the contract.

The board also signed a grant agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to approve funds for use in the Bellefonte Senior Center. The grant total is $46,408.

The Senior Center Community Grant will be used to furnish the new senior center, which will be located in the Centre County Community Services Building at 502 E. Howard St., Bellefonte. The facility is scheduled to open later this summer.

Quentin Burchfield, director of the Office of Aging, explained that the existing furniture needed replacement due to safety concerns.

“The furniture there is worn and some of it is unsafe and a fall risk,” Burchfield said.

Commissioner Amber Concepcion expressed that the new furniture will help create a fresh and welcoming atmosphere.

“This really seems like a positive development going into the new Bellefonte Senior Center at our Community Services Building,” said Concepcion. “We are moving into this new location which is going to be a really nice asset for the local community.”

Commissioner Steve Dershem added that the Bellefonte Borough Council will soon be invited to tour the facility.

“We look forward to getting your input and feedback as to what you think,” said Dershem.