Neighborhood Meal Sites
The CASS neighborhood meal sites are community focal points where older adults come together for congregate meals, services, and activities that enhance their dignity, support their independence, and encourage their involvement in and with the community.
CASS has operated a Neighborhood Meal Sites program for the past 30 years. The nutritional services remain an important part of our clients having their basic needs met. Adequate nutrition is critical to health, functioning, and quality of life for people of all ages. For the elderly, nutrition can be especially important because of their vulnerability to health problems and physical and cognitive impairments. Older adults who are poorer and more likely to live alone are at a higher nutritional risk. The Neighborhood Meal Sites program provides these seniors with conversation, interaction and nutritional meals.
Improving nutrition – The Neighborhood Meal Sites program provides a hot meal which meets one-third of the daily recommended allowance as required by the Title III Older Americans Act funding for congregate meal sites. Our participants can choose to take part in both breakfast and lunch, or select the one that best meets their schedule. Each neighborhood meal site also offers a weekly grocery trip for participants. Prior to the grocery shopping trip, information is shared on healthy choices and cost savings. Participants support each other by exchanging coupons and assisting each other with shopping.
Nutritional education – In support of the Neighborhood Meal Sites program, nutritional education classes are offered throughout the month. Making nutritionally sound food choices while away from the congregate site will also improve health, thus supporting the goal of avoiding institutional care.
Reducing isolation – Older adults participating in Neighborhood Meal Sites program are less isolated, which enhances the lives of the older adult, again promoting institutional diversion.
Click here for a complete list of CASS Neighborhood Meal Site locations.
