Activity center provides meals for seniors in the Nutrition center

The Andalusia Adult Activity Center is a place to go for an array of programs for the community. However, people may not be aware is that AAAC has also been a nutritional center that serves meals.

There are requirements for those who go to the center to request information about meals that are available. Anyone who wishes to eat there must be 60 or older, fill out the participant registration form and sign an agreement. While there isn’t a charge to eat, a donation is recommended for $2.00 for each meal. All donations are local and assist with the costs of the center.

The activity center is able to serve an maximum of 28 persons within the home. Deliveries are available to 41 people within the city boundaries. If someone wants to eat at the restaurant, they should contact the center prior to the time of arrival and ask if there’s any openings on the specific day. The availability of food is based on a first come, one-serve basis.

“We have a contract with SARCOA to provide our senior citizens with healthy meals with the TRIO community meals. Each meal represents three-quarters of the nutrition requirements for seniors, and an excellent resource for the energy needed,” AAAC Program Coordinator Sonja Godwin stated.

According to a presentation made to the Star-News The food products that are included on the menu have to conform to the requirements of the contract. The meals must contain at least 3 ounces of protein that is edible including non-meats like cheese. All ground beef and beef patties should be purchased cooked in advance and contain 100% beef, with no added texture vegetable protein. All vegetables and fruits must conform to USDA Grade A requirements. The center’s activity coordinator receives an annual calendar, which includes daily menus. The changes to the menu are based on the presentation of meals or senior center feedback or the practicality.

“I am very grateful to work with a staff who truly is concerned about our senior citizens. The seniors here love coming to the center and participating in our programs. One of the toughest aspects in my work is to discover that a person is lonely or resides in their home all day and isn’t able to get out. If they could just visit for a couple of days I am sure that it will change their perspective about life. The act of stepping out of the comfortable zone is about confronting one’s fears. We’re here to help those who are struggling with feeling of loneliness, anxiety, or depression that many people experience later in life.” Godwin said.

Sandra Broom, Donna Turner Donna Turner, Sandra Broom, and Amber Vanderryt work out of the nutrition department at the center for activity.

Vanderryt provides meals every day for residents within the city’s boundaries within a two-hour time frame.

“I enjoy my job and have been with us for two years. I serve 41 meals, and I really enjoy visiting with people who are old and bringing smiles on their face. When I get back from my deliveries, I work in the kitchen, and whenever I’m needed.” Vanderryt added.

“I’ve worked with the Center for over nine years and it’s been an absolute pleasure. I love my job and am incredibly happy and cherish my seniors. I cherish each and each individual. We’re having a wonderful time at the table and sharing meals,” Turner said.

“I enjoy working with seniors and have worked for 5 years in The Nutrition Centre. Seniors can enjoy a balanced food and have a great time. We’d love for you to come along,” Broom said.

Godwin stated that although the nutritious meals offered by the activity center are essential however, there are plenty of additional benefits seniors can enjoy at the center.

“Our meals aren’t as good in comparison to social advantages. There’s extra to Andalusia Adult Centre than a lot of people realize. We offer a variety of activities for those who want to sew, paint or create crafts such as the Cricut classes. We provide a wide range of events, including our peanut boil and ice cream social Fashion show, games day bingo, and monthly dinner dances to name just a handful of. For those who love to travel, we provide excursions like Hawaii, South Carolina, and many more. We host guest speakers to discuss issues like avoiding scams as well as heart healthy lifestyles, along with Medicare Open Enrollment. Along with all of that, we also have a fully-equipped fitness center, a curves area, toning beds line dancing and more.”

Godwin added that the center is also able to access other senior services through SARCOA that brings together the funding sources and providers to offer services. SARCOA will be in this center Wednesday November. 1 at 11:00 a.m. till 1:15 p.m. to allow an opportunity to enroll in the state-run health insurance program to Medicare.

“Thanks of Mayor and Council’s approval” Mayor and Council’s support, we applied for and were awarded two vans that were converted by ALDOT. When we get them vans, we will be able attend more local events in a group and go on more day trips. If you believe you live in a town that is small and you have no activity, then I encourage you to explore the possibilities the area. We here in Andalusia have been blessed beyond words and growing each day.”

The Adult Activity Center is located at the number 401 Walker Avenue in downtown Andalusia close to the Ballet. The hours of operation are on Monday through Friday between 7:15 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“If you’ve taking part in a meal program Be aware that the nutrition center will begin eating at 10:30 a.m. But you must be there before 10:30. We look forward to meeting your guests.” Godwin said.

For more information, contact 334-222-6891.

The article Activity center provides meals for seniors in the nutrition centers was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.