Meals for Seniors

Meal service is by far the Emanuel County Senior Center’s most popular and well-known resource, especially since reopening after the pandemic. The joy of gathering around a table with others has drawn seniors back in increasing numbers, making meal times a central part of daily life at the center.

Through both congregate and home-delivered options, the center ensures that eligible individuals have access to balanced, nutritious meals, whether they prefer to dine in a social setting or enjoy the convenience of home delivery.

Congregate Meals: A Social Dining Experience

At the heart of the center’s meal program is the daily congregate meal service, designed to bring seniors together in a warm, family-style environment. With a 20 percent increase in center utilization from last year, the dining area has become a bustling hub of activity. The newly renovated space now offers a modern and welcoming atmosphere for coffee during breakfast hours and for lunch from 11 AM to 1 PM.

The senior center has the capacity and resources to feed 65 dine-in clients each day. The center places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, offering meals tailored to the dietary needs of seniors. Options may include low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, and heart-healthy dishes. Example meals include scrambled eggs with turkey bacon and whole-grain toast for breakfast or grilled chicken with steamed vegetables and quinoa for lunch. All meals are planned and approved by a dietician, ensuring each dish supports the physical health of patrons.

These shared meals not only provide sustenance but also foster social connections, an important factor for well-being. Research shows that seniors who regularly share meals with others experience greater emotional and physical health.

Typically, all congregate meals are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are free of charge to eligible participants. The exception to this standard operating procedure comes into play during the holidays, which always draw larger crowds than usual. For that reason, patrons must RSVP by calling the center three business days ahead.

Home-Delivered Meals: Bringing Nutrition to Your Doorstep

For those unable to visit the center, Emanuel County Senior Services offers a home-delivered meals program. Commonly called "Meals On Wheels" (MOW), this subprogram ensures that 52 residential clients receive nutritious food right at their doorsteps. The city route operates Monday through Friday while the weekly county route drops off one box stocked with snacks and food for five days. Meals are prepared with the same nutritional focus as the congregate dining, ensuring those who are homebound still receive balanced, health-conscious options.

Meals through the MOW program are provided at no cost to the client. Unlike other MOW programs elsewhere that upcharge for self-pay clients, Emanuel County Senior Services only charges the base cost of $4.60 per meal with no additional fees, provided that no additional costs are incurred by the county to adjust the existing route. (If adjustments are necessary, the center will discuss those details prior to adding you to the route.) However, self-pay clients must pay in advance.

As of September 2024, there is currently a wait list to join the Meals On Wheels program for non-self-pay clients.

To join the waitlist or to be added to the self-pay delivery clientele, call the senior center.

Safe, Certified, and Prepared with Care

All meals at the Emanuel County Senior Center are prepared with the utmost care and safety. The kitchen staff are ServSafe certified, guaranteeing that every meal meets the highest standards of food safety. This dedication ensures that the seniors enjoy not only delicious and healthy meals but also meals that are handled with their well-being in mind. The preparation and service of meals create a sense of routine and predictability, offering emotional comfort to many seniors and helping them maintain a steady rhythm in their daily lives.