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Spirit of Gratitude & Giving… Yucaipa feeds the elderly By Jaelin Palmer Seniors who may need a little help preparing meals or getting proper nutrition are in luck. A balanced meal is available, and deliverable, from their local Family Services Association. Family Services Association has been helping those in need since 1953. It first began in Riverside County, but was quickly invited to join San Bernardino County as well in order to maximize the amount of people their programs can benefit. Right now, the association is providing meals for over 3,000 seniors in both Riverside and San Bernardino County. In Yucaipa, giving seniors the food they need is their number one priority. Currently, their Homebound Deliver Meals program is serving over 90 seniors in our area and over 30 seniors are being served at their congregate style meals at the Scherer Community Center on First Street. Each meal consists of a protein, vegetable, starch, and fruit. They also get milk with their meal. "We have received so much support from the City of Yucaipa," says Tom Donahue, the Director of the Nutrition Program. "What we do would not be possible without their help." Anyone over the age of 60 who is interested in applying for the Homebound deliver meals should call 800-521-2020. The operator will then transfer them to the correct county/ city. Since there are a fixed number of meals Family Services Association can afford to provide, there is a 300-person waiting list in San Bernardino County. However, if the senior is in a hospice situation, they will put them on the route immediately and find a way to get the person the nutrition they need. All seniors in need are welcome to come to the daily At the Scherer Community Center on First St. there is a USDA Food Giveaway Program on the third Wednesday of every month at 12:30 pm. You must apply and answer questions regarding income. Program provided by the Community Action Partnership and the food is from the San Bernardino food bank. Meals usually include canned, dry, or frozen food. Info., 909-797-1177. 8 OUR YUCAIPA | NOVEMBER 2013 congregate-style meals as well. He or she will be required to fill out an intake form before receiving food. These meals are served from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Although the program will be closed on Thanksgiving, the association will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal the day before. Head cook, Patty Lewis, says,"The seniors make my day. They are what I get up for on a daily basis. Each one has a different part of my heart. They are worth everything to me." Lewis also says she knows every participant by name and checks on them if they miss a meal. If you would like to volunteer, Lewis asks that you to stop by the Scherer Community Center for information and a volunteer packet. Driving volunteers would normally need to be there at 10 am to load up the food and start deliveries. Other volunteers would get there at 11 am to start putting out food, serving food, washing dishes, and just talking to the seniors who come by. For more information, please visit the Family Services Association's website at fsaca.org. At the First Baptist Church (34784 Yucaipa Blvd.) on Thursday nights from 5 to 6 pm there is a free dinner open to anyone in the community. It will be in their Church Social Hall. They will be providing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. For more information on the meals, please call 909- 790-1971. To volunteer, contact Roseanne at 909-693-8824.