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Project CHERISH( i.e. Meal on Wheels and Congregate lunch
sites for seniors)
First started in Merced County in 1972 with a small lunch
site located in a church in Atwater, CA.
From those humble beginnings, Project CHERISH grew rapidly
and now has 9 senior meal sites throughout Merced County. Those sites are
located in:
Gustine (209) 854-2692
Merced (209) 723-9331
Planada (209) 382-1101
Atwater (209) 358-0681
Winton (209) 358-5384
Hilmar (209) 632-8982
Los Banos (209) 826-4777
Dos Palos (209) 392-6803
Livingston (209) 394-7411
The nine sites not only provide noon time’s meals that are
nutritionally balanced for all seniors aged 60 and over for a requested
donation, but the sites open early to provide time for seniors to socialize,
enjoy entertainment, and receive nutritional education. Project CHERISH and
programs like it from throughout the nation pride themselves on providing
healthy, well-balanced meals, but on the fact that this regular socialization
and meal keeps many seniors active and living a much more fulfilled life.
The requirements for senior meals are a minimum age of 60,
although guests are welcomed for a donation of $4.00. There are no income
requirements. Menus are printed at the beginning of each month, so you can plan
around meals you may enjoy.
Meals are provided M-F from 11am to Noon excluding
holidays. Centers are open by 10am. Each site asks that you call the day before
to make a reservation if you are interested in eating lunch, so enough food will
be available.
For general information about Project CHERISH you may call
(209)723-4565 ext. 15
Donations to help with operating this program may be
mailed to
MCCAA Project CHERISH
P.O. Box 2085
Merced, CA 95344
All donations are tax deductible
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels in an essential component in keeping frail
ailing seniors in their homes, instead of health care facilities. 5 days a week.
Homemade, meals are delivered daily to over 300 seniors in Merced County. In
order to qualify for Meals on Wheels, the person must be 60 years of ages and
homebound. A brief survey is conducted with each potential Meals on Wheels
recipient to ensure eligibility and participation may require a doctor’s
certification.
Meals are provided upon availability and identified need
and a $2.00 per meal donation is requested.
Meals on Wheels are packed in a central kitchen located in
Merced, CA. From Merced, meals are transported in bulk to each of the nine
Project CHERISH lunch sites. At the lunch sites, each meal is packed and
delivered by a Meals on Wheels driver. When the meal is delivered, the drivers
are able to check on the frail senior, observe possible issues of concern, and
assure that they have a nutritious meal in the house to add in their recovery.
This personal contact 5 days per week is a huge benefit to the senior and the
family members that may not live in the area.
Strict health safety standards are followed for every meal
delivered; assuring that the meal meets the required temperature at the time of
arrival to the home. Often meals are large enough that the senior only needs to
have a very light dinner to sustain them.
Volunteers are constantly needed to deliver meals! This is
a rewarding volunteer experience and really helps to serve a very deserving
person.
If you are interested in volunteering, or receiving a meal,
you may call
(209) 723-4565 ext. 15
Assure a nutritious meal for a senior in Merced County!
Donate to Meals on Wheels
MCCAA
Meals on Wheels
P.O. Box 2085
Merced, CA 95344
All donations are tax deductible. |