Siskiyou Senior Nutrition & Community Cafés

12/29/2020: Update to services in response to COVID-19: The Siskiyou Senior Nutrition program is currently using a drive-thru meal distribution system in place of group meals. Pick up is available for those 60 and over at the City Park Upper Lodge 1315 Nixon Road Mt. Shasta, CA 96067, Monday through Thursday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The existing homebound delivery clientele continue to receive regular service.

The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day in March of 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. Since 2002, community-based Meals on Wheels programs from across the country have joined forces for the annual awareness campaign to celebrate this successful public-private partnership and garner the support needed to fill the gap between the seniors served and those still in need.

February 2021 MENU                           March 2021 MENU

Siskiyou Senior Nutrition–Promoting socialization and a healthy, independent lifestyle.

Congregate meals offer nutritional and social benefits.  Seniors often have a difficult time cooking interesting food for themselves. Community Cafés provide great nutrition through delicious meals–keeping seniors healthy and secure.  Seniors and non-seniors connect and enjoy meals together, creating friendships and getting to know other members of their community.

Great Northern Services manages two Community Cafés in Siskiyou County for seniors and non-seniors to frequent: one at the Mt. Shasta City Park and one at the Dunsmuir Community Center Building. All of the meals we offer feature complex carbohydrates, nutrient-packed vegetables, and healthy proteins. We also have options to meet common dietary restrictions, such as a diabetic or gluten-free diet.

Major program funding comes from the Federal level (authorized by the Older Americans Act), and additional state funds administered by the CA Department of Aging, and USDA meal reimbursement.

Since Federal and State grant funding covers only a portion of actual meal costs, senior participants are given the opportunity to support their program with a suggested meal donation of $3 for congregate meals (meal sites). Individuals under 60 can participate in this program by purchasing their meal for $10. Their support makes our Community Cafes vibrant and sustainable and their patronage helps integrate seniors into the wider community.

Additional donations are always appreciated and are critical to keeping senior services fully funded.

Great Northern Services operates this program funded under the Older Americans Act through PSA 2, Area Agency on Aging and California Department of Aging.

As an organization dedicated to providing help to families and individuals with limited means, we are proud to be part of a support system that ensures the nutritional needs of older adults are met, and that the meals are accessible despite physical or financial circumstances.

Home Delivered Meals
Monday-Thursday
This service provides safe and nutritious meals delivered to the door of seniors residing within the four South County communities of Mt. Shasta, Weed, Dunsmuir, and McCloud, who meet home-delivery service criteria. The goal of this program is to reduce hunger and food insecurity while promoting the health and well-being of older individuals in an effort to delay adverse health conditions. Priority is given to frail, homebound, or isolated older adults. Volunteers or paid staff deliver meals to homebound clients. The volunteers or staff members delivering the meals have an important opportunity to provide some social contact for the homebound elder. Home Delivered Meals offer needed support for a homebound elder to remain safe in his or her own home.

Enrollment is required; call (530) 926-4611. The suggested donation is $3.50 for home-delivered meals.

Transportation to the Mt. Shasta Community Café

Transportation (with ADA accessibility) to and from the Mt. Shasta Community Café is available within the Mt Shasta City Limits ONLY. Seniors are encouraged to donate for daily round-trip transportation if they can. To make your reservation call (530) 926-4611.

Referral Services

Siskiyou Senior Nutrition also offers referrals for other senior services:

• Medi-Care
• Social Security
• Supplemental health plans & prescription coverage
• Long-term health care
• Senior housing
• Tax preparation
• Veterans affairs
• Elder abuse prevention & reporting
• Caregiver support
• Legal matters

 History

Since 1974 the Mt. Shasta Senior Nutrition Program has provided a daily meal for senior citizens at the City Park Recreation Center/Senior Dining Center. On July 1^st, 2019 Great Northern Services took over the administration and management of the program under contract with the Planning and Service Area 2, Area Agency on Aging and the California Department of Aging.