Senior Center offers emergency meals

As people age, it can be difficult for them to get to the grocery store to shop or even cook a meal at home. While the Hot Springs County Senior Center has regularly been providing breakfasts, lunches and dinners, they have recently added another menu item — emergency meals.

Director Trenda Moore explained the meals are shelf stable and resemble box lunches. They are for people 60 and older, and meet the nutritional requirements set forth by the State. Those who fill out the paperwork, which is minimal, receive 10 meals — five breakfasts and five lunch or dinner type entrees. As with the regular meals at the center, there is no set cost but there is a suggested donation.

There is also a possibility for those who sign up initially to get a second round of meals. Moore explained when center staff feel like the county has been thoroughly canvassed and there are some meals left over, they will open it up for seconds. As the deadline to sign up for the meals is Sept. 30, she said they should know by the middle of September if there is enough to provide seconds.