Mobile food pantry

Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County has begun its Healthy@Home Senior Nutrition Program, a non-sectarian initiative which provides low-income, homebound seniors with healthy food and nutrition information delivered directly to their door. Clients work with a geriatric care manager and registered dietician to select foods that are healthy, easy to prepare, and enjoyable; chooses include fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, poultry, frozen fish and chicken, frozen fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and soups. At least once a month, volunteers deliver the food along with nutrition information, recipes, and food safety tips.

“We’re taking our food pantry on the road,” said JFCS executive director Michelle Napell. “We have so many seniors in the community who are mostly homebound and have limited finances. They aren’t able to get to the supermarket or our pantry. They’re unable to carry grocery bags or even stand in the kitchen to prepare a meal. Some even have to make difficult choices on whether to pay bills or buy food. Others can’t afford the high cost of fresh fruits and vegetables and settle for cheaper, unhealthy alternatives.”

The Healthy@Home program encourages socialization and community connections for these homebound and isolated seniors by offering a Friendly Visitor, who spend meaningful time with these seniors.

Contact Beth Englezos, manager of Senior Programs & Hunger Prevention, at bethe@jfcsonline.org or 609-987-8100, ext. 126.