At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trigg County Senior Center remained as busy as it ever had — making sure no local elder went hungry.
Those efforts, of course, continue today.
In a conversation with the News Edge Thursday morning, Center Director Cissy Lawrence noted that her facility has adopted a new menu — one that began January 1.
According to the National Council on Aging, a balanced food pyramid and colorful plates — ones that look like rainbows — are keys for older adults. A healthy meal should include:
— lean proteins like meats, seafood, eggs and beans
— orange, red, green and purple fruits and vegetables
— whole grains, like brown rice and whole-wheat pasta
— low-fat dairy milk and its alternatives
— high in fiber, low in sodium, and increased Vitamin D
The American Heart Association recommends the use of listed recommended daily servings for those 60-and-older, with water, tea and coffee the best ways to stay hydrated.
Furthermore, more than four million older Americans use SNAP benefits to maintain a healthy grocery budget, with the average senior citizen receiving around $113 a month.
This makes the Trigg County Senior Center meal programs all the more necessary, and Lawrence noted officials from the state help make menu recommendations.
With a Meals on Wheels and a congregate option available in Trigg County, Lawrence pleaded — urging those needing food to make a call to her office.
Lawrence also noted that 2023 has been off to a great start for the facility and its calendar.
One hot meal is provided daily, served from 11 AM until noon, while home-delivered meals are taken to those homebound. The meals typically meet one-third of the RDA dietary allowance.
Open from 8 AM until 4 PM daily, the Senior Center offers more than just meals, too. There are transportation and homemaker services, adult day care, planned day and overnight excursions, health counseling, recreation choices, meeting room space and free legal counsel available.
For questions, one call the office at (270) 522-8341 or by email at trisccc@mchsi.com.
