With the highest unemployment numbers in modern history, it’s no surprise that many are struggling to put food on the table – including senior citizens.
To the rescue: TooJay’s Deli and the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, which are providing meal packs of nutritious food for registered homebound seniors suffering from food insecurity during the pandemic.
“Challenging times like these call for innovative solutions to care for the most vulnerable members of our community,” says Max Piet, president and CEO of TooJay’s. “TooJay’s is proud to partner with the Area Agency on Aging and help assure that homebound seniors, who are at heightened risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, have the nutritious food they need.”
The menu was specifically designed in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Division of Senior Services to meet the dietary requirements of seniors. Each seven-day meal pack contains light breakfast items and seven dinners that can be reheated. Assembled in lightweight boxes and labeled with reheat instructions for easy preparation, the packs are prepared in the controlled environment of TooJay’s West Palm Beach commissary to assure food safety.
To receive a meal pack, seniors over the age of 60 in need of assistance are required to register by contacting the Area Agency on Aging Helpline at 866-684-5885. Drop and go locations for registered seniors to pick up their meals are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at varying facilities throughout northern and southern Palm Beach County. To streamline the process, registered seniors will be assigned and notified in advance of their pick-up locations. Alternative delivery may be available for seniors with special needs who lack transportation.
The organizations anticipate distributing more than 34,000 meals in the first three weeks and continuing the program as long as there is an emergency situation.
For more information, call 866-684-5885 or visit YourADRC.org.