United Senior Services awarded $47K to provide restaurant meals to older adults affected by COVID-19

Nichole Rowland, an employee at Rudy Smokehouse, with a tray of food Friday. Rudy's is one of several local restaurants that will be providing restaurant meals to older adults effected by COVID-19. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Nichole Rowland, an employee at Rudy Smokehouse, with a tray of food Friday. Rudy's is one of several local restaurants that will be providing restaurant meals to older adults effected by COVID-19. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

United Senior Services will receive $47,000 in additional funding for a new, short-term program to provide meals to older adults affected by the coronavirus.

The funding, which was awarded by the Ohio Department of Aging through the Area Agency on Aging, will be used for the Staying Healthy program that will allow local, small-business restaurants to provide free meals to seniors in the community.

“It really is a win-win-win. Our seniors, our local businesses, and their employees all ultimately benefit from this innovative approach,” said Maureen Fagans, CEO. “United Senior Services has seen increased demand for hot, healthy meals since the pandemic began. We are thrilled to be able to lead this effort to meet the needs of older adults in Clark County.”

Five local restaurants in Springfield and New Carlisle are participating in the program: Carmae Catering, Lee Ann’s Dairy Delight, Studebaker’s Country Restaurant, Teaberries Heart of Country and Rudy’s Smokehouse.

“All of our partnering restaurants are providing a really nice variety of delicious, healthy meal options. Since their locations are spread out across the county, and because Carmae is even using a food truck, our hope is that the funding provided to USS from the Ohio Department of Aging will allow more older adults the ability to access restaurant meals and stay safe at the same time,” said Sharon Torres, Senior Meal Program Director at USS.

“Older adults make up a big part of our customer base,” said Lee Ann Lopez, owner of Lee Ann’s Dairy Delight. “I always try to make the meals I serve healthy and affordable, so I am glad to be working with United Senior Services to provide meals for more members of our community to enjoy.”

Clark County residents age 60 and up are encouraged to call USS at 937-323-9688 to find out if they are eligible for participating in the Staying Healthy Program, and preregistration is required.

“United Senior Services is committed to increasing services for older adults in Clark County. This program, and the funding we received from the Ohio Department of Aging, are just one more way we are delivering on our promise to the community,” Fagans said.

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