50+ Lifestyles

Senior Meal Sites Bring People Together

By Peggy Dykes
Community Relations Director
Milestone’s Area Agency on Aging

We have all heard of the winter “snowbird”; typically seniors traveling to a warmer climate to try something new, eat at different places and meet new friends. However, the staff at Milestones Area Agency on Aging say you can do that without leaving town by dining at one of their 27 Iowa senior meal centers in Clinton, Muscatine and Scott counties; bringing people together to enjoy good food, create new friendships and participate in interesting activities.

Many serving locations are in senior apartment buildings while others are hosted by community centers and churches. For those living in senior housing that hosts a meal center, it’s just a trip down the elevator or a walk down the hall for a hot lunch. All meal centers, no matter where they reside, are open to the public with many serving Monday thru Friday.

Each meal center is unique with activities along with nutritional and social benefits. Some host a monthly Fresh Conversations discussion which offers taste testing of new foods along with exercise suggestions and nutrition education.

Anyone 60 and over along with their spouse of any age can eat for a voluntary contribution, based on income, which is posted at the meal center. This is not a charity program; any senior is invited to enjoy a nutrition meal. Income and ability to contribute do not determine eligibility Persons may attend if they are under 60; however there is a charge of $8.50 per meal.

Menus choices offer meat loaf, roast beef and gravy, chicken noodle casserole, soup and deli sandwich, turkey, baked chicken along with vegetables, a starch, fruit and milk. Choose a meal you like and call the day before to make a reservation.

For homebound seniors who meet certain criteria, home deliveries may be available.

The Senior Nutrition Program is funded through the Older Americans Act along with participant donations. The three county area served 60,774 congregate and 128,409 home delivered meals last year.

Call today for details 1-855-410-6222.

Peggy Dykes is Community Relations Director at Milestones Area Agency on Aging. She can be reached at (563) 324-9085, ext. 212 or at pdykes@milestones aaa.org.