The East Central Planning and Development District has been given the green light to resume the Congregate Meals Program in Newton County. But before they can resume the program, they must fill positions at meal sites.
Nutrition Services Coordinator Josie Robinson says that they are in need of Nutrition Site Managers, who would help with running the program at their respected sites in Newton County. “We need managers for both Senior Citizen Buildings in Newton and Decatur,” Robinson said. “They would work three hours a day, from Monday through Friday.” The Senior Citizen Building in Decatur can be located beside the Department of Human Services at 14708 Hwy 15, while the Newton location is at 107-A Adams Street.
When the Congregate Meals Program resumes, those that qualify will be able to come to either location and have a hot meal five days a way, Monday-Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Besides getting a meal, both locations also serve as place that Seniors can connect, relax, play games, or participate in other activities.
The congregate meals program was put on hold back in March 2020 when the Covid pandemic set in. The Home Delivered Meals program has continued since then, however, providing 7 frozen meals to seniors every Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. They recently knocked the number of frozen meals down to 5 with the Congregate Meal Program about restart.
Besides handing out meals, East Central Planning and Development offers other programs for Seniors, such as a Transportation Program, Homemaker Services, Information and Referral/Outreach, and many others.
And while these meals are prepared for the elderly, Robinson says that there are others who qualify to take part. “We do make some exceptions, for instance if a Senior Citizen has a special needs child or if the spouse of a Senior Citizen hasn’t reached 60, they’re welcome come in with them,” said Robinson.
If you are interested in a Nutrition Site Manager position or if you are a Senior Citizen and would like to take part in any of these services, contact the East Central Planning and Development District office at 601-683-2007.
