(Chelsea Update would like to thank Trinh Pifer for the information in this story.)
The Chelsea Senior Center has been fielding a lot of calls about the impact that the government shutdown will have on the Meals on Wheels program as well as it’s daily congregate lunch program.
“We want to reassure the community that we are dedicated to continuing this needed service that so many of our seniors depend on for a daily meal and daily contact,” says Trinh Pifer, director of the Chelsea Senior Center.
“We are exploring creative ways to keep these programs running during the government shutdown. We have received tremendous support from the School District and community partners like the United Methodist Retirement Communities.”
The Senior Nutrition Program in Chelsea serves over 22,000 meals a year, which includes daily lunches (Monday-Friday) at the Senior Center and Meals on Wheels delivered to home-bound seniors.
Although the government shutdown is having a huge impact on senior meals throughout the county, and stating on Monday, Oct. 14, the county will no longer be paying for the senior congregate lunch program, the Chelsea Senior Center has funding committed to the Meals on Wheels program through Oct. 25.
The Chelsea Senior Center and the Chelsea School District plan to continue providing meals for seniors in the Chelsea area and Manchester.
In addition, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, the senior center will hold a “Celebrity Server” event at the Chelsea Big Boy.
A portion of the sales from 5-8 p.m., a portion of pie sales, and all cash tips, will be donated to benefit the senior nutrition programs.
For any questions or concerns regarding the Senior Nutrition Programs, please call the Chelsea Senior Center at 475-9242 or email [email protected].
