Ask the Director – Elena Brokaw
May 7, 2005
My Mom and Dad live in Ventura and are getting up in age. They have some health issues that preclude them from shopping and then preparing hot meals at home. Is there a local program that can help them with meals on a daily basis?
There are a couple of options for your parents. The Ventura County Commission on Nutrition, otherwise known as Meals on Wheels, has a daily hot meal home delivery program. In addition, the City of Ventura Community Services Department administers the Senior Lunch congregate and home delivered lunch program.
The Meals on Wheels Program has operated in Ventura for more than 25 years. They currently deliver one hot meal 7 days per week, to more than 60 elderly or disabled clients. Their mission is to support the health of elderly and frail individuals that are home bound due to medical or psychological disabilities.
Another choice is the City of Ventura Senior Lunch Program. The Senior Lunch Program has two components: the congregate meal site, and the home delivery program. The congregate meal site is located at 550 North Ventura Avenue in the Ventura Avenue Adult Center. City of Ventura Senior Services staff prepares and serves fresh frozen meals for seniors Monday through Friday at noon. The menu is varied and the meals are excellent and nutritious. The home delivered program delivers five pre-packaged meals to clients every Monday. The clients are responsible to prepare the meals in a microwave oven.
Are these programs free?
Meals on Wheels charges $4.25 per meal. The Senior Lunch congregate meal is a suggested donation of $2.25 per meal, and the home delivery suggested donation is $2.75 per meal.
How can I get more information on these programs?
Meals on Wheels can be contacted at their Ventura office at 643-5653. For more information on the City Senior Lunch Program please call Marcia Ortiz at 654-7745.
How long does it take to enroll in the programs?
Hungry Venturans 60 and older are invited to the Ventura Avenue Adult Center to partake in a delicious lunchtime meal today! No reservations are necessary. Meals on Wheels and the Senior Lunch home delivery programs generally have application processes and waiting lists. Utilize the contact information above to request an application or to get on the waiting list.
Does the City have any partners in the Senior Lunch Program?
Yes. The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging provides the administrative oversight of the program - they purchase the meals, set the menus and provide training and nutritional information to staff and the clients. The City subcontracts the home delivery of the meals to Foodshare, Inc. It's a progressive partnership that results in high quality meals and service to Ventura residents.
How can I volunteer with this program?
Senior programs can always use volunteers. Our volunteers assist with
programs, work at the Senior Centers, help seniors in their homes, and
sometimes just provide companionship. For more information, please call
Joncee Kohls at 652-4555. Your help would be invaluable.