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County nutritionists decided the sugary treats were not in the best interests of the over-65 set. Senior citizens insist they have the right to make that decision. Thus, the donut war began.
In August, members of the Putnam Legislature's Health Committee heard testimony from Putnam Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler, Public Health Educator Rick Carano and Assistant Office for the Aging Director Doreen Crane.
Committee chairman Sam Oliverio said the county was not a distribution center for day-old food products.
"We are a nutritional center first and a socialization gathering place second. Putnam County is not in the baked goods of unknown origin business," he said.
A compromise was made. Limited amounts of donuts would be served at the center, but large scale donations were no longer to be accepted.
Joe Hajkowski of Putnam Valley called the decision a "farce. This belongs in Ripley's Believe it or Not! We are being treated like 'senile' citizens not 'seasoned' citizens.
"Unapproved transportation of food as the main reason for the demise of our donuts is nuts. We are not stupid people. If the donuts are old or moldy, of course we won't eat them."
Hajkowski said the baked goods were a simple pleasure.
"There has not been a single incident which can be pointed to that caused illness or harm to anyone partaking in this 'forbidden fruit.' The county believes that we are not capable of making healthy choices," he said.
"Our biggest concern was that the baked goods were coming from sources the county had no idea of origin," said Oliverio when the donut war first surfaced.
"Where have they been stored? How have they been stored? Is the environment sanitary and climate controlled? God forbid someone gets sick from botulism resulting from tainted food. This is the county's major worry and concern," he said at the time.
Geoff Lock of Carmel marched peacefully with his friends along the picket line last Thursday.
"We object to the fact that the upper management made a dictatorial and unilateral decision without any input from us seniors. This was a stupid mistake," he said.
Hilda Miraglia,89, of Carmel also protested the county's decision.
"I am very particular about what I eat and due to my tender age and fragile teeth inspect every morsel before it enters my mouth. I never saw any mold or dirt or vermin droppings in any donut or piece of baked good dropped off," she said.
John Schulz agreed with his friends that the seniors have rights.
"This is not an asylum. Big brother has no right to keep us down," he said.
Bruce Heilman of Mahopac said the county's unilateral decision was wrong.
"There was no input from anyone. There has to be room for compromise," he said.
The man who finds himself in the midst of the donut war is William Huestis, director of the Putnam Office for the Aging.
"What started out to be a good deed has spiraled out of control," he said at the beginning of the donut wars.
"Professional members of my staff were vehemently against the giveaway because many people in our centers suffer from chronic issues including diabetes, heart issues and high blood pressure," he said.
"Food security was also an issue since the Office for the Aging is a county program operating under permits issued by the Health Department. There are regulations and guidelines concerning the distribution and handling of food as well as a security factor that ensures the health and welfare of our participants," said Huestis.
Under the Older Americans Act, nutrition programs were set up to address the dietary inadequacy and social isolation among older people.
Available since 1972, the programs funded by the federal, state and local governments ensured that older Americans receive at least one nutritious meal a day. That meal is provided by the county at the nutrition sites.
"We are committed to providing not only nutritional meals but nutrition education, screening and counseling as well. To stray from the county's mission would be a great disservice to our senior citizens," said Huestis.
Huestis said desserts would continue to be provided with all county meals.
"We are by no means 'donut police,' but we must continue to uphold our mission statement and comply with health department regulations," he said.
