Yantis Senior Citizen Meal Program
Provides "A Square Meal" Five Days
A Week

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

The Yantis Community Center has become a noon destination for approximately 65 to 70 people each week day. They're coming to participate in the Community on Aging Program meal program, that provides hot, nutritious meals for citizens age 55 and over. The program is sponsored by the East Texas Council of Governments.

Residents of the area can come for the noon meals, that provide a balanced lunch, rich in nutrition, and the meals are provided "by donation only."

"We enjoy coming to eat lunch at the center," expressed Martha Franklin, who comes with her husband, Harold. "The meals are great, but the company is even greater. We enjoy visiting with all of our friends and neighbors and finding out what all is going on in the community, as we gather for lunch each day!"

"I've got to where I feel lost, if I don't make the noon meal in Yantis," advised another participant. "That's where you find out who is sick, who is out of town, and who might need some assistance. It's the gathering place of the community!"

 

 

Meals are also available for those individuals in the community who are confined to their homes. Those meals can be "picked-up" at the center for delivery to the home.

 

 

"We want the participants to come to the Yantis Community Center, if they are able, because of the opportunity they have of interacting with others," explained the director of the program. "One of the main benefits of the program is the participants getting to know other people in the community and developing relationships with others who have the same interests, cares, and concerns."

The East Texas Council of Governments invites anyone in the Yantis area to participate in the meal program, by coming to the Yantis Community Center and filling-out the necessary applications. The program is offered five days per week, excluding holidays. Also, individuals under 55 years of age can participate in the program and pay a fee for meals each day, but must also submit an application.

 

 

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