Even in a pandemic, community agencies are here for those in need. You may not think of active adults utilizing a public service. However, during this pandemic, it is especially important for older adults to stay connected.
Each week the Area Agency on Aging has provided hot lunches at the Active Adult Center and the Rodarte Community Center as part of the Weld County Friendly Fork Senior Nutrition Program. These meals are funded through the Older Americans Act and are offered for a suggested $4 donation. Each meal meets 1/3 of the recommended daily dietary requirements. However, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Active Adult Center and the Rodarte Community Center closed, so the Friendly Fork program was temporarily moved to the Weld County Training Center.
Many active adults rely on this service as an opportunity to get out of their homes, socialize with people, and receive a warm nutritious meal. During the Stay at Home quarantine, the program transitioned from a congregate setting to a drive through take out service, allowing older adults to take a hot meal home. “I am pleased with the number of people who continue to come for a meal,” said Meredith Skoglund with Area Agency on Aging. “It is great to see the community come together to help our older adults in Greeley.”
Also, many neighborhoods engaged in contacting older residents, helping them shop for food, or bringing meals to them weekly. The community really came together to help many of those in need. “It gave us an opportunity to get to know a lot of our neighbors,” stated Emily Enos, a local HS student, and Greeley resident.
Even though the Active Adult Center is currently not open to the public, a nutritional lunch is still being offered. If you know someone who could benefit from these services, please call 970-400-6950 for more information.
Article date:
September 15, 2020