El Dorado County senior nutrition program offers drive-up meal service

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - With the Governor’s orders to stay-at-home and older adults in the high-risk group for COVID-19, the El Dorado County Senior Nutrition program has made some adjustments to its program.

The South Lake Tahoe Senior Center, along with others in the county are offering drive-up "Take-Out" meals for all El Dorado County residents age 60 and older. This gives its older adult clients the needed hearty and nutritional meals in a safe environment.

To participate in the Take-Out program, seniors must reserve their meals in advance. Seniors can pick up a hot meal every day or can order up to 7 meals per week. This would include one hot meal and 6 frozen meals. Meals can be picked up Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. at one of several drive-up locations in El Dorado County.

The drive-up locations are:
• Placerville Senior Center
• Cameron Park Community Center
• Pioneer Park Community Center
• Greenwood Community Center
• Pollock Pines Community Center
• South Lake Tahoe Senior Center

“The process for reserving meals is very easy,” said Ruth Green, Program Coordinator with the Senior Nutrition Program. “Seniors or their caregivers can call me the day before or by 9:00 a.m. the day of their pick-up. The phone number is (530) 621-6160. When leaving a message, please be sure to include the
location where you are planning to pick up your meal. Individuals can pick up meals for seniors who are family members, neighbors, and friends.”

In South Lake Tahoe, they may also call Connie Giesen at the SLT Senior Center directly at 530-573-3130.

There is no need to leave the car when picking up a meal. Seniors can drive up, give their name, and be provided with their reserved meals. Voluntary contributions are accepted. The suggested contribution is $3.00/meal.

In addition to the Take-Out meals, the Senior Nutrition Program continues to provide lunchtime meals for vulnerable homebound seniors through the Home Delivered Meal program. These meals are delivered by a dedicated core of community volunteers and program staff.

“We’re very thankful for the many volunteers who are continuing to serve the seniors in our community,” said Rich Todd, Older Adult Services Program Manager. “We're doing everything we can to ensure El Dorado County seniors receive nutritious meals during this time.”

For questions about the Senior Nutrition program or other services for seniors in El Dorado County, call the (530) 621-6160 or Senior Information & Assistance at (530) 621-6369. Information about senior programs
can also be found at https://www.edcgov.us/SeniorService.aspx. For information about COVID-19, visit the
County’s COVD-19 web page at https://www.edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/Pages/EDCCOVID-19.aspx