Making sure residents have enough to eat is an important service facilitated by EngAGE at Solara Court Senior Apartments, as well as other EngAGE communities.
The Food Program Coordinator, Ryan Maples, maintains office hours every Wednesday to answer residents’ questions and process paperwork. He also oversees the distribution of the 40-pound boxes of food from the Orange County Second Harvest Food Bank that are delivered to Solara Court each month. Ryan ensures that residents are qualified to receive food by requiring signatures, identification, and income verifications.
In addition to the monthly Food Bank delivery, twice-a month Orange County’s Second Harvest delivers 2000 pound pallets of groceries to one of EngAGE’s sites for seniors who may not qualify for the Food Bank. EngAGE team members divide the food, and then transport it to other properties where individual packages for residents are prepared for distribution on-site by a group of 4-10 resident volunteers. Participation is consistent, with many residents receiving this twice-monthly food parcel. The EngAGE Pantry provides a storage location for those residents who are unable to pick up, or who designate someone to pick up for them, and is open once or twice monthly for residents to get needed food. Program Coordinator Ryan Maples: “A Volunteer Recognition Event was held on January 22nd with the objective to thank and encourage current volunteers, and help to recruit new ones. The volunteers were treated to lunch, a gift, and a certificate of appreciation.”
The Food Pantry stores the excess Food Bank and Second Harvest food. This pantry is open on the first Wednesday morning for any residents to stop by and fill their bag. This provides a little extra for those weeks when food is not delivered. Program Leader Miles Morse: “Residents are very respectful and appreciate this one day of the month when they can go shopping for free food. The Food Pantry is always going to be a big hit.”
~ Essence Parker, Regional Programs Director
EngAGE offers a variety of classes, workshops, and special programs at each of our communities. These posts highlight just a small sample.
