The County of Santa Clara just hit half a century of dedication to its elders with the Senior Nutrition Program's 50th-anniversary celebration. This initiative, a key reflector of the county's commitment to equity and effective service, has been a long-standing pillar in serving nutritious meals to the older population. According to a recent County of Santa Clara news release, the program provided more than 1.56 million meals last fiscal year and engaged over 16,000 seniors in social activities.
The program, operated by the County Social Services Agency, reached to dramatically expand its capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic when it had to adapt to provide grab-and-go meals quickly. This innovation allowed them to almost triple the number of meals served annually, hitting a staggering 1.7 million in a single year, and it has continued to evolve post-pandemic by resuming dine-in services and incorporating fresh meal options for homebound clients.
"I’m delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Senior Nutrition Program, which provides healthful meals and so much more to older adults in our community," Susan Ellenberg, president of the County Board of Supervisors, told County of Santa Clara news. The celebration is about the meals and community it fosters among the seniors, including those from marginalized backgrounds. Statistics from the last year show that 76% of the participants identify as people of color, and 46% live below the federal poverty line.
Volunteers have been integral to the program's success, exemplified by people like Luz Daniels, an 84-year-old who has volunteered for over a decade. "It gives you life – the day goes very fast," Daniels mentioned in an interview with County of Santa Clara news. Her testimony speaks to the personal fulfillment derived from aiding in the community effort. Anne Zhu, a program participant from Sunnyvale, shared a similar sentiment, finding a renewed sense of family after losing her husband. "When I come here, I feel very happy," Zhu exclaimed, illustrating the program's impact beyond mere sustenance.
