The Senior program was started by Blake Young after a Community Needs Assessment was done in April 2009. Because of the shortfall of senior programs due to governmental and social service cuts, a program was developed at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). The Greater Sacramento Chamber of Commerce Leadership 2010 Team helped create SFBFS’s collaboration with Eskaton’s Talking Listening Caring Program (TLC). Together, SFBFS and TLC created what is now SFBFS’ Senior program in June 2011. Volunteer families or individuals reach out to socially isolated, yet independent, TLC seniors with two monthly meetings (or more) and bring a big box of groceries during one of the visits. Many of the foods are shelf stable but a variety of produce and dairy is included as well. This nutrition helps fill the gap that so many seniors living on Social Security face. With these healthy foods, seniors are more likely to remain independent, happy and healthy without governmental help.
The volunteers bring more than nutrition for the seniors. They bring companionship. This additional friendship forms bonds that can span generations and open minds. Frequently, both seniors and volunteers are overwhelmed with gratitude and each feel they are getting the better end of the deal. SFBFS is excited to see participation in the Senior program grow over time. Click here for more information about SFBFS’ Senior program.
Submitted by Marie-Louise Nelson, Senior Program Manager
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