||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER |||
On Thursday, September 23, the Nutrition Program partners—Orcas Senior Center, San Juan County, and Whatcom Council on Aging—hosted a “Drive Through Senior BBQ” for Orcas Island seniors at Orcas Senior Center (OSC).
Meals on Wheels and More Director, Julie Meyers noted, “We had hoped to welcome San Juan County older adults back to Senior Community Lunches starting in September, but the recent surge in COVID-19 cases has caused us to postpone the reopening. While everyone involved in the program is disappointed about the postponement, we are excited to safely welcome seniors back to the senior centers for a delicious picnic style meal.”
The BBQ was free and provided a delicious take-away meal of grilled hamburger, sausage, or vegan burger as well as potato salad, fruit, and a cookie. About 75 meals were served to enthusiastic Orcas seniors on a beautiful sunny day.
The San Juan County Senior Nutrition Program provides home delivered “Meals on Wheels” and Senior Community Meals (currently on hold due to the pandemic) to older adults on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. The Meals on Wheels and More program is administered by the Whatcom Council on Aging nonprofit in partnership with San Juan County Health and Community Services and the senior centers on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan islands, which operate under the umbrella of the Senior Services Council of San Juan County 501(c)(3).
The program is partially funded through federal grants, San Juan County levy funding, senior center in-kind contributions (utilities, fuel, kitchen equipment, etc.), and by client donations. The program also relies heavily on private donations and fundraising. To support the Nutrition Program and Orcas Senior Center, please consider donating generously at orcasseniors.org.
Meals on Wheels meals are available for delivery on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for those in need. For more information or to register for Meals on Wheels, contact Jami Mitchel at (360) 376-7926 or jamim@orcasseniors.org.
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