You Give More Healthy Food to Seniors

Because of you, seniors in Salem and Keizer now have new options for healthy meals. Marion Polk Food Share Meals on Wheels is now serving seniors with two new programs: Senior Grocery food boxes and lunch at the South Salem Senior Center.

“We know that there are hungry seniors in our community,” said Ian Dixon-McDonald, Vice President of Programs at the Food Share. “Every senior has different needs, so there is no one way to serve each person. We are working to provide more food options that serve people where they are at.”

One option for seniors is the Senior Grocery program, a monthly food box of pantry staples for people over 60 and on a limited income. It gives seniors a supply of nutritious food to cook in their homes.

“The Senior Grocery Program is a great resource for people who are able to cook and get around, but may not always be able to afford healthy food,” said Ian. “They can pick up a food box every month full of wholesome groceries.”

Meal sites, like those at Center 50+ and South Salem Senior Center, give seniors a place to eat lunch with their friends and peers. They serve a nutritious lunch, but also give people a chance to visit with friends. The Food Share has been serving meals in the Center 50+ Dining Room since 2013. We started serving lunch at the South Salem Senior Center in July of this year.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know people at South Salem Senior Center,” said Chef Steve Morton, Kitchen Program Director at the Food Share. “When I talk with people over lunch, I learn who might need a little more help. Someone might have a neighbor who is homebound and could benefit from Meals on Wheels or someone else might not know that a Senior Grocery food box is available to them.”

Everyone is welcome to enjoy these locally made, nutritious meals. At Center 50+, meals are available for $5. At South Salem Senior Center, meals are free for people over the age of 60, and available for a suggested donation for others.