Senior meal services, which were cut in October, are being restored thanks to the recent stimulus package passed by the federal government. The Health District's Senior Nutrition Program will be returning to full service and will increase the number of nutritious meals available for seniors.

"We are elated to be able to provide more meals to our community's seniors," said Dr. Joel McCullough, Health Officer for the Spokane Regional Health District. "Having healthy meals and a social outlet are crucial components of healthy aging."

Last October, meal services were reduced due to a decrease in federal funds. Most senior centers had to cut back on the number of days they could provide meals. In addition to meals, the senior centers provide a variety of social activities and connections to community services that can help seniors continue to live independently.

The Health District's Senior Nutrition Program is the "umbrella" organization that contracts with several area community partners, providing federal funds to help support senior noon meal sites and home-delivered meals, also known as Meals-on-Wheels.

Seniors are encouraged to make a lunch reservation at one of the following locations:

• American Indian Center– 535-0886
• Cheney Care Center– 235-6196
• Deer Park Senior Center– 276-2411
• Delaney Apts/Korean Sr. Center– 324-1532
• East Central Comm. Sr. Center– 625-6693
• Edgecliff Senior Center– 218-5980
• Hillyard Senior Center– 482-0803
• Mid-City Senior Center– 747-3257
• Opportunity Senior Center– 924-9750
• Sinto Sr. Activity Center– 327-2861
• Southside Sr. Activity Ctr.– 535-0803

Seniors who need home-delivered meals can call one of the following organizations for more information:

• Cheney Care Center – 235-6196
• Deer Park Senior Meals– 993-2441
• Mid-City Concerns MOW– 456-6597
• Valley MOW– 924-6976

Meals are available for a suggested donation of $3.50, although donations are not required to receive meals. Although this funding allows for additional meals for seniors, the partner agencies listed above continue to depend upon donations from the public to support their vital services.