Wellness Means Eating Healthy

MVES’ Nutrition Department is Busy Encouraging Healthy Eating this Summer!

Summer is a great time to relax… take it easy… and slow down… but not for MVES’ Nutrition Department! The Nutrition Department has been go-go-going so far this summer, planning brand new or expanding already existing programs and events that promote healthy eating and living. Here’s what’s happening in the world of MVES Nutrition this summer:

Annual Summer Barbecues Are On!
Throughout the summer, MVES is inviting elders (60 and older) to summer fun cookouts at senior centers and supportive housing sites in our area. The barbecue lunch includes hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, watermelon, and lemonade. Although there is no cost for the meal, it is suggested that guests make a donation of $1.50. Check out a list of the upcoming barbecues and dates to RSVP (opens new window). Bring your appetite!

Food Pantries Program Expanding
MVES is expanding our food pantry program to six new supportive housing sites later this summer and in early fall. Nutrition’s food pantry program helps low-income elders living in supportive housing access no-cost groceries that are delivered monthly to the buildings. The on-site pantries are particularly helpful for elders who struggle to find transportation or get to off-site food pantries or grocery stores. With the addition of the six new food pantry sites, there will be a total of 12 sites operating by this fall!

Therapeutic Menus Offer New Choices
MVES has recently revamped our Meals on Wheels’ therapeutic menus, in response to a survey we administered to those who receive therapeutic meals. People who have certain medical conditions receive therapeutic meals so that they get meals appropriate for their health. We offer seven different diets: cardiac, renal high protein, renal low protein, low lactose, and chopped, ground, and puree textures. These diets can be requested with approval from your physician. New menu items on the therapeutic menus include Fiesta Fish, Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce, Greek Chicken, and Turkey Vegetable Pasta Bake.

New Lunch Club Opening
MVES is opening a brand new Lunch Club, which will operate three days a week at 910 Main Street in Melrose, on July 7! Older adults will have the opportunity to meet, share experiences, explore new interests, and enjoy a nutritious lunch. The Lunch Club is open to residents of the building and their guests. A donation of $1.50 for each meal is suggested. Want to volunteer to be a dining site coordinator for the Lunch Club? Contact Lauren Reid, RSVP Director and Volunteer Program Coordinator, at 781-324-7705.

Annual Farmer’s Market Coming Soon
Every summer, MVES prepares fresh bags of produce for elders in need. We distribute the bags and coupons that allow low-income older adults to purchase nutritious food. MVES is coordinating with our area Councils on Aging to distribute the produce and the Farmer’s Market coupons in August.

Authentic Haitian Meals Offered
MVES invites elders (60 and older) to the Haitian Lunch Program at the West Medford Community Center at 111 Arlington Street, Medford. The authentic Haitian-style meals will be offered on the second and fourth Friday every month at noon. In the coming months, the second and fourth Fridays fall on July 9 and 23 and August 13 and 27. To reserve your spot, please call 781-483-3042 two days before you plan to attend.

Remember that eating nutritiously contributes to aging well and staying healthy. For more information on any of the above programs, please contact MVES’ Nutrition Department at 781-324-7705, ext. 300.