The Carson City Senior Citizens Center cupboard is filled with shelf-stable meals ready to distribute to seniors beginning Nov. 5.
"It's a great program, and it's free," said Marlene Allbritten, grant coordinator at the center. "They're great when you just can't get out because the weather's bad."
The meals, which can be stored in cabinets without refrigeration for two years and do not have to be heated (but taste better hot), were purchased with a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Each box contains 10 different meals, such as chicken and dumplings, spaghetti and meatballs, and beef stew, plus a beverage and dessert.
"It's just enough to be a meal," Allbritten said.
The distribution times are 12:30-3:30 p.m. Nov. 5, Nov. 19, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 at the senior center, 911 Beverly Drive, east entrance.
The meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to as many as 3,000 people on each date. Each qualified individual will receive a one-time distribution of 10 meals.
To qualify, seniors must be 60 or older, or have a spouse who is 60 or older. There is no financial eligibility. Those new to the Carson City Senior Citizens Center may be required to complete a form.
Those receiving the meals will need to sign for it. While a friend or family member cannot be sent to pick up meals, Allbritten said senior center volunteers will try to take the meals to those who can't get out. Meals on Wheels also will take meals to seniors.
The senior center also is working on getting a grant to supply Ensure, a nutrition drink designed for seniors who may not receive sufficient nutrients in their regular diet.
For more information on the food distribution or when Ensure will be available, contact the center at 883-0703.